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Kenya pastor accused of ordering parents to starve their children to death faces verdict

Kenya pastor accused of ordering parents to starve their children to death faces verdict

Summary

A Kenyan court will soon decide the case of pastor Paul Mackenzie and 29 followers accused of causing the deaths of 191 children by forcing them to starve as part of a religious belief. The group believed in avoiding education and modern medicine, claiming this would help the children "meet Jesus." Authorities have found more than 400 bodies buried in a forest near the coast of Kenya connected to this cult.

Key Facts

  • Pastor Paul Mackenzie led a religious group called Good News International Ministries since 2003.
  • Mackenzie and 29 followers face murder charges related to the deaths of 191 children from starvation.
  • The cult forbade education and modern medical treatment, calling them evil.
  • Over 400 bodies were found buried in shallow graves in Shakahola forest, near the Kenyan coast.
  • Some graves held multiple bodies, including very young children, with some found tied and wrapped in bedsheets.
  • Mackenzie and the followers pleaded not guilty, denying that anyone was forced to die.
  • Authorities also charge them with terrorism, radicalization, and denying children’s education.
  • The pastor’s church ran a TV station broadcasting sermons that promoted these beliefs.
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