Doomsday cult leader who told parents to starve their children is found guilty of 191 murders

Paul Mackenzie was found guilty of murder in Kenya over the deaths of 190 children and one adult connected to his Christian doomsday sect. Prosecutors said Mackenzie and other leaders told followers to starve themselves and their children to reach heaven before the world ended; the ruling highlights the devastating consequences of the group’s teachings and raises questions about oversight by authorities.

The court’s judgment covers 191 deaths, while investigations into other deaths continue. More than 400 bodies have been recovered from shallow graves in Shakahola Forest, but only 26 have been identified. Mackenzie denied forcing people to starve; he faces further charges, which he also denies, including terrorism-related offences and a separate case concerning 52 deaths in Kwa Binzaro.