A cult leader had to appear in court on Tuesday after the alleged starvation of more than 100 believers in Kenya. Prosecutors in the coastal town of Malindi announced that Paul Nthenge Mackenzie would be charged with terrorism. He is also charged with murder, kidnapping and child abuse. More than a hundred bodies were last found in a forest near Malindi. The majority are children.
According to forensic scientists, the bodies show signs of starvation, other victims apparently suffocated. The self-proclaimed preacher Mackenzie is suspected of starving followers of his so-called International Church of the Good News. He allegedly called on his followers to starve themselves to “meet Jesus”. He turned himself in to the police in mid-April.
Relatives search for missing persons
Numerous family members of the victims crowded into the small courtroom in Malindi on Tuesday. Mackenzie, wearing a pink and black coat, was brought in by police officers along with eight other suspects. According to an AFP reporter, he looked calm on the outside.
After a brief hearing, the case was referred to the Supreme Court in Kenya’s second-largest city, Mombasa, which prosecutors say is responsible for hearing cases “under the Counter-Terrorism Act”.
Another pastor attacked
An influential televangelist apparently linked to Mackenzie is due to appear in court in Mombasa on Tuesday. Ezekiel Odero is charged with assisted suicide, fraud and money laundering. Prosecutors asked to detain him for another 30 days.
One of Odero’s lawyers told reporters outside of court that there was no evidence linking the preacher to the Shakahola Forest deaths. Meanwhile, outside the court, a number of Odero’s followers gathered, singing and praying, with some bursting into tears. More than 4,000 churches are registered in mainly Christian Kenya.
Attempts to crack down on scammers and charlatans have so far failed due to allegations that they violate religious freedom. Following the shocking finds, Kenya’s head of state, William Ruto, announced that he would crack down on “unacceptable” religious movements.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
