News
Kenyan Cult Leader on Trial for Manslaughter.
Paul Mackenzie, the leader of the Good News International Church, is currently on trial in Kenya, facing manslaughter charges related to the deaths of over 400 of his followers. The case, considered one of the world’s worst cult-related tragedies, involves allegations of murder, child torture, and “terrorism.” Mackenzie, who pleaded not guilty to manslaughter in January, is accused of instructing his followers to starve themselves to death.
The trial, taking place in Mombasa, includes over 90 other suspects and is expected to hear testimony from at least 420 witnesses. The proceedings have raised critical questions about the accountability of self-appointed religious leaders in Kenya and the need for stricter regulation of fringe denominations. The Kenyan government has initiated investigations and is considering a hybrid model of self-regulation and government oversight to prevent similar tragedies in the future.