What's happened
Kenyan authorities have charged Paul Mackenzie and others with organized criminal activity, radicalization, and facilitating terrorism after over 52 bodies were exhumed from cult-related graves in Kilifi County. Mackenzie denies the allegations. The case links to a broader cult disaster involving over 400 bodies since 2025, with investigations ongoing.
What's behind the headline?
The charges against Mackenzie and his followers highlight the dangerous potential of radical religious ideologies. The Kenyan government’s response underscores the challenge of regulating fringe groups that exploit religious beliefs for deadly ends. The case exposes systemic failures in oversight, with authorities criticized for not preventing the deaths despite early warnings. The ongoing investigations and exhumations suggest that this will remain a significant legal and social issue, prompting calls for stricter controls on religious organizations. The case also raises questions about the influence of radical teachings and the importance of early intervention to prevent such tragedies from recurring.
What the papers say
The Independent reports that Mackenzie and his followers are charged with organized criminal activity, radicalization, and facilitating terrorism, linked to over 52 bodies exhumed from graves in Kilifi County. Al Jazeera emphasizes the scale of the disaster, with over 400 bodies recovered since 2025, and details the cult’s radical teachings that led followers to starve themselves. Reuters highlights the ongoing investigations, including handwritten notes from Mackenzie’s prison, and the broader context of the case, which involves multiple grave sites and charges of murder and terrorism. All sources agree that Mackenzie denies the allegations and that the case has prompted national debate on religious extremism and regulation.
How we got here
The case stems from investigations into the deaths of over 400 people in Kilifi County, Kenya, linked to the Good News International Church led by Paul Mackenzie. Authorities allege the cult ordered followers to starve themselves to death to reach heaven. The discovery of bodies began in 2025, revealing a pattern of radical teachings and mass deaths, prompting calls for tighter regulation of fringe religious groups.
Go deeper
Common question
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The tragic events in Shakahola have brought intense scrutiny to the cult led by Paul Mackenzie. Authorities have charged him with serious crimes related to the deaths of over 52 people, including organized criminal activity and facilitating terrorism. But what exactly are these charges, and what do they mean for the ongoing investigation? Below, we explore the details of the case, how it unfolded, and what the government is doing to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
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What is the background of the Kenyan cult and its recent exhumations?
Recent investigations in Kenya have uncovered a disturbing pattern of mass deaths linked to a radical religious cult led by Paul Mackenzie. Over 400 bodies have been exhumed since 2025, revealing a tragic case of mass starvation and extremism. This raises important questions about how such cults operate, the charges against their leaders, and what measures are being taken to prevent similar tragedies in the future. Below, we explore the key details and answer common questions about this alarming case.
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Kenya, officially the Republic of Kenya, is a country in Eastern Africa. At 580,367 square kilometres, Kenya is the world's 48th largest country by total area. With a population of more than 47.6 million people, Kenya is the 29th most populous country.