Kenyan Cult Leader Sentenced to 200 Years for Starvation Deaths of 191 People
What Happened
A court in Mombasa sentenced Paul Mackenzie, leader of the Good News International Church, to 200 years in prison on November 6, 2026. He was convicted of murdering 190 children and one adult after ordering followers to starve themselves and their children to reach heaven. The sentence comprises 100 years for deaths by starvation and 100 years for direct homicide. Twenty-eight accomplices were also sentenced.
Key Takeaways
The case stems from the 2023 discovery of mass graves in Kenya’s Shakahola Forest, where authorities ultimately recovered hundreds of bodies. Mackenzie’s lawyer plans to appeal. The tragedy has renewed calls for stronger oversight of religious organisations and action against warning signs of abuse.