Kenya has convicted a cult leader over the murder of 190 children, as part of a mass grave discovery that exposed a doomsday sect's brutal practices. Paul Mackenzie and 28 others were found guilty of murdering 190 children and one adult in a 2023 tragedy.
Mackenzie, who led a Christian doomsday cult, ordered followers to starve children to death to 'meet Jesus', according to court records. The cult's doctrine banned education and modern medicine, with members living in makeshift homes in Shakahola Forest.
The conviction comes as authorities seek to strengthen oversight of religious groups in Kenya, where faith plays a major role in public life. Over 400 bodies were recovered from the forest, with many children's remains severely decomposed.
Mackenzie, who was arrested in 2023, was found in court wearing a striped polo shirt and red trousers. He was silent when his name was called by the judge, as his defense team prepared to appeal the verdict.