The trial of Paul Nthenge Mackenzie, a self-proclaimed pastor and leader of a cult linked to the deaths of over 400 followers, began on Monday in Mombasa, Kenya. Mackenzie and 93 other suspects are facing manslaughter charges in connection with the so-called “Shakahola Forest Massacre.”
Mackenzie, who founded the Good News International Church in 2003, is accused of inciting his followers to starve themselves to death in order to “meet Jesus.” The case has shocked Kenya and the international community due to the horrific nature of the deaths.
The tragedy was first uncovered in April of the previous year when rescuers discovered bodies in the remote Shakahola Forest, located inland from Malindi. The investigation has since uncovered around 448 bodies from mass graves. Autopsies revealed that most victims died of starvation, but some were found to have been strangled, beaten, or suffocated. In addition, some bodies showed signs of organ removal.
Among the 95 defendants are Mackenzie’s wife and other cult members. The trial, which involves 420 witnesses, is set to run for four days. Some testimonies will be heard behind closed doors due to the sensitivity of the case.
Prosecutor Alexander Jami Yamina described the case as unprecedented in Kenya, noting its uniqueness due to the involvement of suicide pacts and the scale of the tragedy. The suspects also face separate charges of terrorism, murder, child torture, and cruelty, which are related to events between 2020 and 2023.
In response to the grim discoveries, Kenyan authorities have begun releasing the victims’ bodies to their families. So far, 34 bodies have been returned. The government has also called for tighter regulations on religious groups, following public outrage over the cult’s activities.
Mackenzie had previously closed his church in 2019 and relocated to Shakahola, predicting the end of the world would occur in August 2023. His actions led to increased scrutiny and calls for reform in the regulation of religious organizations in Kenya.
A commission appointed by President William Ruto to investigate the deaths has recommended a hybrid approach to regulating religious groups, combining self-regulation with government oversight. This follows separate reports suggesting that the authorities could have acted earlier to prevent the deaths.
The case highlights ongoing tensions in Kenya over the regulation of religious practices and the balance between state intervention and freedom of religion. The trial’s outcome will likely influence future policies on religious groups and their oversight in the country.
