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ReligionKenya

Kenyan doomsday cult leader convicted of murder

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Felix Maringa
October 19, 2026

A court in Mombasa, Kenya, has found self-proclaimed preacher Paul Mackenzie and 28 associates guilty of murdering 190 children and one adult as part of a notorious Christian starvation cult.

Three years after the Shakahola Forest Massacre tragedy shocked Kenya, a father is still searching for eight of his 10 missing children. More than 400 bodies were found in the forest, with investigators saying many victims died from starvation linked to the teachings of pastor Paul Mackenzie.

A Kenyan court has now convicted Mackenzie and 28 co-accused on 191 murder counts. While sentencing is still pending, families continue to seek answers and closure.

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