Kenya starvation cult preacher Paul Mackenzie charged over 52 more deaths

Legal Proceedings in Cult-Related Case in Kenya

Prosecutors in Kenya have charged Paul Mackenzie, a self-proclaimed preacher, with additional counts related to a cult that resulted in the deaths of more than 400 individuals. The charges, announced on Wednesday, pertain to a further 52 deaths.

In 2023, the "Shakahola Forest Massacre" gained global attention when hundreds of bodies were discovered near Malindi, Kenya. This incident is considered one of the most severe cult-related tragedies worldwide. Paul Mackenzie, identified as a key figure in the case, has pleaded not guilty to multiple manslaughter charges at his trial in Mombasa and remains in custody.

In the previous year, additional bodies were uncovered in Binzaro, a village approximately 30 kilometers from Shakahola along the Indian Ocean coast. These findings suggest ongoing cult activities despite Mackenzie's arrest. The public prosecutions office confirmed that Mackenzie and others face charges of organized criminal activity, radicalization, and facilitating terrorist acts in connection with 52 deaths in the Kwa Binzaro area, Chakama, Kilifi County.

The defendants have maintained their plea of not guilty, with the next hearing scheduled for Mon, Mar 4, 2024.

Organized criminal activity Two counts of radicalization Two counts of facilitating a terrorist act

The prosecution alleges that the defendants promoted an extreme belief system, opposing governmental authority and facilitating terrorist acts. Efforts to regulate religious practices in Kenya have faced opposition due to concerns over constitutional rights concerning the separation of church and state.

Based on reporting by Africanews.