Kenyan cult leader convicted of 191 murder charges

Pastor Paul Mackenzie founded the Good News International Church in Malindi in 2003, according to ABC Australia. He closed the church in 2019 and moved followers to Shakahola Forest, according to ABC Australia. The sect opposed formal schooling, some medicines and vaccinations, according to ABC Australia. The community built villages with biblical names, according to ABC Australia.

In a Kenyan court, Mackenzie was found guilty of 191 murder charges, according to ABC Australia. The charges cover 190 children and one adult who died from forced starvation, according to ABC Australia. The court ruled that Mackenzie used religious teachings to enforce deadly fasting, according to ABC Australia.

Mackenzie faces life imprisonment at sentencing, scheduled for November 6, according to ABC Australia. He also faces separate manslaughter, terrorism and child torture charges over more than 230 deaths, according to ABC Australia.

Police investigated reports of missing people and exhumed more than 400 bodies from mass graves in Shakahola Forest, according to ABC Australia. Post‑mortem reports indicate many victims died of starvation, suffocation, strangulation or head injuries, according to ABC Australia.

Mackenzie denied all charges, saying he did not force followers to starve, according to ABC Australia. His co‑defendants also pleaded not guilty, according to ABC Australia.