In Kenya, the leader of a doomsday cult, Paul McKenzie, along with 94 co-defendants, is facing trial on charges including terrorism, murder, manslaughter, and child cruelty. McKenzie, a self-proclaimed pastor, is accused of orchestrating the starvation deaths of over 400 followers in the Shakahola Forest, aiming for them to “reach heaven” before the world ended. The trial, drawing significant attention, is unfolding in Mombasa, revealing harrowing details of the cult’s activities, including starvation, torture, and abuse among its practices. This trial marks a critical moment in addressing the shocking events that went undetected for an extended period.
- The trial of Paul McKenzie and 94 co-defendants is taking place in Mombasa, Kenya, with charges including terrorism, murder, manslaughter, and child cruelty.
- McKenzie is accused of leading his followers to starve themselves to death as part of a doomsday cult, resulting in over 400 deaths.
- The victims were found in the Shakahola Forest, with many having died from starvation, while others showed signs of torture and abuse.
- The court is set to hear witness testimonies over four days this week, with additional testimonies scheduled for later in July.
- All defendants, including McKenzie, have pleaded not guilty to the charges in a hearing that took place in January.
- Aside from the main trial, McKenzie and his co-defendants face separate charges of kidnapping, murder, and child torture in other cases.
- The case has shocked many Kenyans, revealing the extent of the cult’s activities that remained undetected for a long time.
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This summary has been generated by AI.
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