Paul Mackenzie, the leader of the Shakahola cult, is set to face murder charges alongside 94 other suspects.

The cult, operating under the umbrella of the Good News International Church in Kenya, stands accused of forcing over 400 people into the expansive Shakahola forest.

Paul Mackenzie charged with murder of 400

Mackenzie and his associates in the Shakahola cult were arrested in 2023. The arrest led to the disturbing discovery of bodies buried in shallow graves. The BBC reported that The Director of Public Prosecutions, Renson Ingonga, confirmed that the court wouldn’t show mercy to Mackenzie and his co-conspirators.

The Shakahola cult officials will face charges including murder, assault, terrorism, and facilitating a terrorist act. Mackenzie’s horrific crimes don’t end there, as he has also been accused of child torture.

What did Paul Mackenzie do in Shakahola cult?

Paul Mackenzie, preached fasting to death is a guaranteed way to meet Jesus. His followers moved away from urban life and took up residency in the fields of Shakahola.

The cult leader was arrested in April of last year for his role in the tragic deaths of his followers. Most of them had starved to death. According to the BBC, the bodies of 429 people, including children, were discovered in grave sites in a forest about two hours west of Malindi.

Kenya prosection determined against Paul Mackenzie

Ingonga assured the public that the prosecution would be expedited due to the immense public interest in the case. The charges range from murder and manslaughter under the Penal Code to engaging in organised criminal activity. Radicalisation, and facilitating terrorism under the Prevention of Terrorism Act, 2012, and the Prevention of Organized Crimes Act, 2010 are also included.

The suspects will also face charges related to child rights violations, including torture, cruelty, and infringing on a child’s right to education.