Feb 11 β€’ 23:15 UTC 🌍 Africa RFI Afrique (FR)

Kenya: Pastor Paul Mackenzie Charged with 52 Additional Deaths

Pastor Paul Mackenzie faces new charges, including terrorism and child murder, related to the discovery of 52 bodies in a mass grave in coastal Kenya.

Pastor Paul Mackenzie, already facing charges for the Shakahola massacre that claimed over 450 lives, has been charged with terrorism, child murder, and homicide concerning a new case in Kwa Binzaro, Kenya. This comes after the discovery of a mass grave containing 52 bodies in August, with autopsy results indicating that the victims died of starvation. Mackenzie and seven co-defendants appeared in court in Shanzu and Mombasa on February 11, continuing to draw attention to his controversial church practices and their dire consequences.

The allegations against Mackenzie paint a grim picture of his church's activities, which have been under scrutiny for promoting extreme beliefs that contributed to the tragic events leading to the deaths of many followers. The presence of child murder charges highlights the severity of the accusations and the potential for a lengthy legal battle ahead. Public outrage is growing as more details of the investigations come to light, revealing a broader context of exploitation within religious movements.

This situation raises critical questions about the regulation of religious organizations in Kenya and the responsibility of authorities to protect vulnerable individuals from indoctrination and harm. The ongoing legal proceedings could have significant implications not only for Mackenzie and his church but also for how similar cases are handled in the future, potentially leading to stricter oversight of religious practices in the country.

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