A Kenyan court has sentenced cult leader Paul Mackenzie to 200 years in prison for the deaths of 190 children who were allegedly starved to death on his instructions and buried in a forest.
The verdict was delivered on Friday by Justice Diana Kavedza, who awarded Mackenzie two separate 100-year prison terms. The first sentence relates to murder through starvation, while the second is for direct homicide.
According to prosecutors, Mackenzie headed an apocalyptic Christian church operating in a forest near Kenya’s eastern coastline.
He allegedly instructed his followers to stop eating, including their children, claiming that dying through starvation would help them reach heaven before the predicted end of the world.
Investigators found the victims’ severely malnourished bodies in shallow graves and latrines. Some victims were also reportedly buried alive. Prosecutors said Mackenzie’s associates used threats and physical violence to force followers to obey his instructions.
Mackenzie remained expressionless as the court announced the punishment. He had denied the murder allegations, arguing that he never forced anyone to starve. However, the court dismissed his defence.
The case involves around 500 suspected victims and is considered one of the most disturbing mass-death cases in recent times.
