"So they could meet Jesus": Kenyan cult leader who starved 190 children to death convicted of murder

Paul Mackenzie, leader of the "Good News" cult in Kenya, was convicted of murdering 191 people, nearly all of them children, after ordering cult members to starve their children and themselves to death. 29 other leaders were also convicted. Sentencing will take place in November.

Paul Mackenzie, leader of the "Good News" cult in Kenya, was convicted today (Monday) of murdering 191 people, nearly all of them children. Mackenzie ordered cult members to starve their children and themselves to death so they could "meet Jesus." 29 other cult leaders were also convicted of murder. All pleaded not guilty. Judge Diana Mochache ruled that cult members saw Mackenzie as "Jesus's mouthpiece." Testimonies revealed a pattern of abuse: a former member testified that Mackenzie ordered beatings for those who refused to fast. Another witness described how a woman was forbidden from breastfeeding her infant, who died after 12 days. The case came to light in 2023 when more than 400 bodies were found in mass graves in the Shakahola forest. Sentencing will be on November 6.