Kenyan Pastor on Trial for Deaths of Over 400 Followers
The leader of a Kenyan starvation sect, Paul Mackenzie, is currently facing charges of murder, child torture, and terrorism after more than 400 of his followers died following his instructions. Mackenzie, head of the Good News International Church, pleaded not guilty to multiple counts of manslaughter in January. Prosecutors have stated the cases will be charged under a Kenyan law dealing with suicide pacts.
Appearing in court alongside 90 other suspects, Mackenzie looked frail but still maintained control over his followers. The prosecution has prepared at least 420 witnesses for the trial, which is scheduled to run for four days. The suspects, 55 men and 40 women, face charges of terrorism, murder, child torture, and cruelty related to the deaths that occurred between 2020-2023.
The tragic case has led the Kenyan government to call for tighter control of fringe denominations. President William Ruto has set up a commission to investigate the deaths and review regulations governing religious bodies, following reports that authorities could have prevented the tragedy.