The story so far · 3 days, October 19 to 21, 2026
One Turn followed this story across 3 editions, from Shakahola, Kilifi County, Kenya on October 19, 2026. Newest first.
In 2023, hundreds of bodies were found in the Shakahola forest, where followers of Mackenzie's church were allegedly told to starve. He faces several cases.
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France 24 reported that Kenyan cult leader Paul Mackenzie was found guilty over the deaths of 190 children and one adult and will be sentenced on November 6. His son Dan told the BBC that relatives' children were still being starved and that he reported his own grandmother.
Why it matters: The case is a major test of Kenya's response to deaths linked to religious groups.
Sources: France 24, BBC News · See it on the globe
A Kenyan court found preacher Paul Mackenzie, his wife and 29 others guilty of murdering 190 children and one adult linked to starvation in Shakahola Forest. Prosecutors said his church ordered followers to starve themselves and their children. His son Dan told the BBC that Mackenzie's younger children were still being starved weeks before the trial.
Why it matters: The verdict brings convictions in one of the deadliest cult-related cases in recent history.
Sources: The Guardian, Sky News, BBC News · See it on the globe
Kenya's High Court found self-proclaimed pastor Paul Mackenzie and all 29 co-accused guilty of murdering 191 people, 190 of them children, linked to starvation in Shakahola Forest. Sentencing is set for 6 November.
Why it matters: The verdict delivers accountability in one of the world's deadliest recent cult-related disasters and may shape regulation of religious groups.
Sources: Al Jazeera, BBC News, The Guardian · See it on the globe