Kenyan cult leader Paul Mackenzie Faces terrorism charges in connection with mass deaths

• Mackenzie, along with 94 others, is set to appear in court in Malindi.
• The bodies were discovered in Shakahola.
• Despite claims of closing the church in 2019, evidence has led to charges of murder.

Prosecutors announce charges of murder and terrorism against Kenyan cult leader Paul Mackenzie in connection with the discovery of over 400 bodies in mass graves. Mackenzie, along with 94 others, is set to appear in court in Malindi on Wednesday.

The self-proclaimed pastor denies responsibility for the deaths. The bodies were unearthed from grave sites in Shakahola, a remote forest west of Malindi, where Mackenzie is alleged to have encouraged his Good News International Church members to prepare for the end of the world.

Despite his claim of closing the church in 2019, investigators have gathered enough evidence to charge him and others with offenses including murder, assault, and “facilitating the commission of a terrorist act.”

Out of the 95 suspects, 64 were initially treated as victims but were later discovered to have children who died in the forest. Mackenzie was convicted in November of operating a film studio illegally associated with his preaching and distributing films without a valid filming license.

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