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In a case that shocked the world and exposed the lethal consequences of extremist religious manipulation, Kenyan authorities have brought fresh charges against self-proclaimed preacher Paul Mackenzie, linking him to a further 52 deaths along the country’s Indian Ocean coast.
The new charges stem from discoveries made in the remote village of Binzaro, about 30 kilometres from Shakahola Forest, where more than 400 bodies were exhumed in 2023 in what became known globally as the Shakahola Forest Massacre.
The earlier revelations uncovered one of the world’s deadliest cult-related tragedies, with followers allegedly persuaded to starve themselves to death in pursuit of spiritual salvation.
Mackenzie, who leads the Good News International Church, has already pleaded not guilty to multiple counts of manslaughter in a separate trial ongoing in Mombasa, where he remains in custody. However, prosecutors say the discovery of additional graves in Binzaro indicates that the cult’s activities may have continued even after his arrest.
In a statement posted on X, Kenya’s public prosecutions office confirmed that Mackenzie and several associates have now been charged with “organised criminal activity, two counts of radicalisation, and two counts of facilitating the commission of a terrorist act” in relation to “the deaths of at least 52 people at Kwa Binzaro area in Chakama, Kilifi County.”
According to prosecutors, the accused “promoted an extreme belief system by preaching against the authority of the government” and “facilitated the commission of a terrorist act.” All defendants have pleaded not guilty, with the next court hearing scheduled for March 4.
The unfolding case has reignited debate in Kenya over the regulation of religious groups in a country where constitutional protections strongly separate church and state. Previous attempts to implement tighter oversight have faced strong resistance from religious leaders, who argue that such measures threaten religious freedom.
