Kenyan cult leader Paul Mackenzie is set to face charges of murder and terrorism in connection with the discovery of over 400 bodies in mass graves, according to prosecutors.
Mackenzie, who was apprehended in April 2023, is linked to the shocking revelation of numerous bodies, some of whom reportedly perished due to self-imposed starvation.
Kenyan prosecutors have announced the impending charges against him and 94 others, with the court proceedings scheduled to take place in Malindi on Wednesday.
The self-proclaimed pastor vehemently denies any responsibility for the tragic deaths.
Grave sites in Shakahola, a remote forest located approximately two hours west of Malindi, have yielded the remains of 429 individuals, including children.
Mackenzie is accused of compelling members of his Good News International Church to relocate to Shakahola and prepare for an apocalyptic event. According to a witness interviewed by the BBC, individuals were instructed in January of the previous year to embark on a fasting regimen with the goal of reaching heaven.
Despite these allegations, Mackenzie contends that the deaths cannot be attributed to him, as he asserts that he closed his church in 2019.
Investigations into the matter saw multiple extensions of Mackenzie’s custody as authorities diligently gathered evidence.
The culmination of their efforts has led to charges against him and the other 94 suspects, encompassing offences such as murder, assault, and “facilitating the commission of a terrorist act.”
Among the suspects, 64 were initially treated as victims and relocated to a rescue centre upon their discovery in Shakahola. However, subsequent investigations revealed that many of them had lost children in the forest.
Several individuals provided false names and identities, failing to account for the whereabouts of their children.
It’s noteworthy that Mackenzie faced legal consequences in November of the previous year for operating a film studio associated with his preaching without a valid filming licence and distributing films illegally.
