Paul Mackenzie cult deaths: Kenyan court charges preacher over 52 more victims

The Paul Mackenzie cult deaths case has entered a new phase. Kenyan prosecutors have charged the self-proclaimed preacher and seven associates over 52 additional deaths in Kilifi County.

On Wednesday, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions confirmed the charges. Prosecutors accused Mackenzie and his co-defendants of organized criminal activity, radicalization, and facilitating terrorist acts.

The suspects denied all charges in court. Judges scheduled the next hearing for March 4.

Prosecutors outline new allegations

According to prosecutors, Mackenzie promoted an extreme belief system. He allegedly urged followers to reject government authority. Furthermore, investigators say he encouraged acts linked to terrorism.

Prosecutors claim Mackenzie directed operations in Kwa Binzaro. They also allege he continued giving instructions after police detained him in 2023.

Earlier, authorities had already charged him with murder and terrorism. Those charges relate to the Shakahola Forest tragedy. That disaster ranks among the worst cult-related cases in recent history.

Shakahola Forest deaths shocked Kenya

Investigators recovered more than 400 bodies from Shakahola Forest by 2025. Most victims died from starvation, according to autopsy reports. However, pathologists found signs of strangulation and suffocation on some bodies.

Later, authorities discovered more graves in Kwa Binzaro. The site lies about 30 kilometers from Shakahola. Prosecutors say Mackenzie oversaw activities in both locations.

Authorities accuse leaders of the Good News International Church of ordering followers to starve. They allegedly told members to prepare for the end of the world. Mackenzie, however, denies these accusations.

Government tightens scrutiny after Paul Mackenzie cult deaths

The scale of the Paul Mackenzie cult deaths has alarmed Kenyan authorities. As a result, officials now seek stricter oversight of fringe religious groups.

In addition, the Kenyan Senate conducted an investigation. A state-funded human rights body also released findings. Both reports suggest authorities could have acted earlier.

Consequently, lawmakers now debate stronger regulation measures. They aim to prevent similar tragedies in the future.