Starvation Cult Preacher Faces Expanded Murder, Terrorism Charges in Kenya

Starvation Cult Preacher Faces Expanded Murder, Terrorism Charges in Kenya

A Kenyan court has expanded charges against self‑proclaimed preacher Paul Nthenge Mackenzie and seven associates over the deaths of 52 more victims linked to the notorious Good News International Church starvation cult. The new charges come as part of ongoing investigations into one of the deadliest cult-related tragedies in Kenya.

Mackenzie, already facing trial in Mombasa for multiple counts of murder, manslaughter, and terrorism, appeared in court Wednesday with the seven co-accused. Prosecutors allege that even after his initial arrest in 2023, Mackenzie continued to influence followers through radical teachings, encouraging them to travel to Kwa Binzaro, where victims died from prolonged starvation.

Authorities say the additional 52 deaths occurred between January and July 2025, in shallow graves near Kwa Binzaro in Kilifi County. Prosecutors describe the group as a structured criminal sect, using extremist ideology to coerce followers into life-threatening practices. The defendants face charges including organized criminal activity, radicalization, and facilitating terrorism.

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All eight accused pleaded not guilty, and the next hearing is scheduled for March 4, 2026. Legal experts note that the expanded charges reflect the complexity of prosecuting cult-related killings and the ongoing effort to hold both leaders and their network accountable under Kenya’s legal system.

The Shakahola Forest case first drew global attention in 2023, when investigators discovered hundreds of bodies in shallow graves, following claims that Mackenzie had persuaded followers and children to starve themselves to “meet Jesus.” Over 400 victims were recovered from Shakahola, making it one of the worst cult-linked tragedies in modern Kenyan history.

Authorities warn that the expanded prosecution aims to dismantle the deadly network and prevent future tragedies, while sparking national debate about the regulation of fringe religious groups and doomsday cults in Kenya.

Starvation Cult Preacher Faces Expanded Murder, Terrorism Charges in Kenya