Kenyan court set to rule on preacher accused in deaths of 191 children

A Kenyan court is due to give its verdict in the murder case against doomsday preacher Paul Mackenzie and 29 followers, who are accused of killing 191 children. Prosecutors allege the group made children starve to death so they could “meet Jesus”; the case is the first verdict on the most serious charges against Mackenzie, who denies that anyone was forced to die.

Authorities say more than 400 bodies were found in shallow graves in Shakahola forest, where Mackenzie led followers from across Kenya. His church, founded in 2003, attracted thousands through branches and a television station, while his teachings condemned education and modern medicine. Mackenzie and his co-accused have pleaded not guilty; he also faces separate cases involving terrorism, radicalisation and denying children an education.