Kenyan cult leader gets 200 years for 191 starvation deaths
Paul Mackenzie was convicted of ordering followers to starve themselves and their children to death to meet Jesus.
Self-proclaimed Kenyan pastor Paul Mackenzie received a 200-year prison sentence on Friday for orchestrating the deaths of 191 people, including 190 children and one adult. The sentencing follows his conviction for inciting followers to starve themselves to death at the sect's base near Malindi. Hundreds of bodies were discovered since 2023 at the Shakahola Forest site.
Mackenzie, a former taxi driver, was found guilty on October 19 of all 191 counts alongside 28 co-accused. He ordered followers to starve their children to death in the forest to "meet Jesus." His lawyer stated that he intends to appeal the conviction and sentence. Mackenzie appeared indifferent in court on Friday.
The court imposed 100 years for homicide charges and another 100 years for starvation charges. 28 accomplices also received lengthy prison terms. Mackenzie faces separate trials for manslaughter and terrorism charges, which he denies.
Why it mattersPaul Mackenzie and 28 accomplices have been sentenced to lengthy prison terms for orchestrating the deaths of 191 people through starvation.