Kenyan cult leader sentenced to 200 years for 191 deaths
Pastor Paul Mackenzie convicted of murder and starvation charges in Shakahola Forest case.
Self-proclaimed Kenyan pastor Paul Mackenzie received a 200-year prison sentence on Friday for orchestrating the deaths of 190 children and one adult. The conviction stems from inciting his followers to starve themselves to death in the Shakahola Forest. Hundreds of bodies have been discovered at the sect's base near Malindi since 2023.
Mackenzie was found guilty last month of murdering 190 children and one adult between January 2021 and September 2023, alongside 28 co-accused. His lawyer announced an intention to appeal the verdict. The court handed down two 100-year sentences, one for homicide and another for starvation charges.
28 accomplices also received lengthy prison terms for their roles in the deaths. Mackenzie faces separate manslaughter and terrorism charges, which he denies. He appeared indifferent in court on Friday.
Why it mattersPastor Paul Mackenzie's cult activities led to the starvation deaths of 191 followers, including children.