20.10.2026 09:14
Paul Mackenzie, the cult leader in Kenya who led his followers to starve themselves with the promise that they would meet Jesus, has been found guilty of the deaths of 190 children and one adult. Mackenzie, who is said to have planned for his followers to die in stages—first children, then women and young men, and finally other men—was arrested in 2023 after mass graves were found in Shakahola Forest.
In Kenya, a new development has occurred in the cult tragedy in which Paul Mackenzie, who presented himself as a religious leader, led his followers to starve themselves with the promise that they would be with Jesus. Mackenzie, the leader of the Good News International Church, has been found guilty of the deaths of 190 children and one adult. In the case that shook the world, it has emerged that the cult members were planned to be sent to their deaths in a specific order.
FOUND GUILTY OF THE DEATHS OF 190 CHILDREN AND ONE ADULT
In the trial held in Kenya, the court found Paul Mackenzie, the leader of the Good News International Church, guilty of the murder of 190 children and one adult.
It was stated that Mackenzie told his followers that the end of the world was near and urged them not to eat, and promised that if they died of starvation they would be with Jesus.
THE DEATH PLAN CAUSED HORROR
According to information reported by Reuters, Mackenzie planned his followers' deaths in stages. According to the allegation, it was envisaged that first the children, then the women and young men, and finally the remaining men would die.
This plan became one of the most striking details revealing that the incident was not merely individual acts of starvation but that the cult members were systematically led to their deaths.
MASS GRAVES FOUND IN THE FOREST
The tragedy was brought to the world agenda in 2023 when mass graves were uncovered in Kenya's Shakahola Forest.
During search operations launched in the area, the lifeless bodies of many people were found, and Mackenzie was taken into custody the same year. Investigations brought up allegations that cult members were led to remain hungry for long periods through religious promises.
THEIR SENTENCES WILL BE ANNOUNCED ON NOVEMBER 6
The sentencing decision for Paul Mackenzie and 28 defendants, including his wife, is expected to be announced on November 6.
MORE THAN 400 BODIES FOUND IN THE FOREST
In searches in the Shakahola Forest, more than 400 bodies have been recovered to date. Because most of the bodies were in an advanced state of decomposition, identification became difficult, and only 26 people could be identified. While the court's guilty verdict covers the deaths of 191 people, investigations into other deaths continue.
At the trial, it was also revealed that some children were deprived of food in front of their families. Mackenzie, however, denied the accusation that he forced his followers to starve, but the court did not accept his defense.