Messiah of Death: Kenya's cult leader Paul Mackenzie charged for murder of 191 children

In Kenya, cult leader Paul Mackenzie has charged with the murder of 191 children, whose bodies were discovered buried in a forest. Along with Mackenzie, his 29 associates have also been charged in the murder case. Worst cult tragedy in recent history Prosecutors said Mackenzie told followers to starve themselves and their children to attain heaven before the world ends. More than 400 bodies were unearthed from secluded settlements spanning 800 acres within Shakahola forest where members of his Good News International Church resided. Mackenzie was arrested April 2023 and has already been charged with terrorism-related crimes, manslaughter and torture. Mackenzie denied the charges in a court in Malindi. In December, he was also convicted of producing and distributing films without a licence and sentenced to a year’s imprisonment. Who is Paul Mackenzie? Mackenzie used to drive a taxi. As per some of his followers, Mackenzie forbade cult members from sending their children to school and from going to the hospital when they were ill, branding such institutions as Satanic. Meanwhile, his lawyer has said he is cooperating with the investigation into the deaths. The 30 defendants are due back in court on 7 March for a bond hearing, the judge said. With inputs from agencies