The leader of a sect in Kenya, Paul Mackenzie, was found guilty of murdering 190 children and one adult

Paul Mackenzie, leader of an apocalyptic sect in Kenya, was found guilty of killing 190 children and one adult. The verdict was delivered in the port city of Mombasa, and the final sentence is due to be announced on November 6.

Another 28 cult leaders were convicted of murder. All the defendants pleaded not guilty. Judge Diana Mochache said followers regarded Mackenzie as “the spokesman for Jesus”.

According to evidence presented in court, the sect leader allegedly ordered members to starve their children in order to “meet Jesus”. The cult’s doctrine banned education and rejected modern medicine. A co-defendant said people who refused to fast were forced to continue through violence.

The victims were buried in Shakahola Forest, and the burials were presented as “weddings” with Jesus. In one case described by witnesses, a newborn was not allowed to breastfeed, and the child died after 12 days.

Mackenzie was arrested in 2023 after more than 400 bodies were discovered in shallow graves. He and the other leaders are also on trial in other cases involving terrorism, radicalization and denying children an education.