Paul Mackenzie receives 200-year prison term over Shakahola Forest tragedy
Paul Mackenzie, leader of a Kenyan cult, has been sentenced to 200 years in prison for ordering the starvation deaths of 190 children in Shakahola Forest. The case highlights serious failures by authorities despite warnings since 2017, with the death toll from the wider investigation reaching 448 confirmed and around 500 suspected victims.
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Kenyan cult leader Paul Mackenzie has been sentenced to 200 years in prison for the deaths of 190 children who were starved to death on his orders in Shakahola Forest.
Prosecutors revealed that Mackenzie convinced his followers to fast to reach heaven before the apocalypse. Some victims were reportedly beaten, buried alive, or dumped in latrines.
In addition to Mackenzie, 28 accomplices have also been jailed for their roles in the tragedy.
The case has raised serious questions about the failure of Kenyan authorities to act on repeated warning signs dating back to 2017.
The wider investigation into the cult has confirmed 448 bodies and suspects around 500 more victims.