Discovery of Mass Graves
A Kenyan cult leader, Paul Mackenzie, has been charged with murder after over 400 bodies were found in shallow graves in a remote forest in eastern Kenya.
Cult Leader’s Instructions
Survivors and victims’ families reveal Mackenzie urged followers to fast, promising they would “go see Jesus.” He and 29 others have pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Multifaceted Charges
Mackenzie faces previous charges of acts of terror, child cruelty, and torture, which he denies. Prosecutors allege victims may have been strangled, suffocated, or beaten to death.
Details of Captivity
Followers, held against their will in the Shakahola forest, endured starvation and were prohibited from leaving. Women were reportedly raped by guards, and Mackenzie’s teachings shifted to awaiting a meeting with Jesus.
Desperate Escape Attempts
Conditions became unbearable, prompting some followers, like Neema, to plot escapes. They resorted to surviving on wild berries and water scooped from the ground. Neema and two friends successfully escaped, but many others were not as fortunate.
Community’s Awareness
The local community initially benefited from the church’s presence, but when Mackenzie’s followers stopped visiting, warning signs emerged. Villagers, alarmed by emaciated teenagers seeking help, faced challenges in alerting authorities due to guards’ hostility.
Delayed Police Response
Attempts by locals to intervene were met with resistance, and police assistance was necessary to access the forest. The slow response allowed the cult activities to persist.
Heartbreaking Rescues
Some individuals, like high school teacher Francis Wanje, discovered the shocking reality in the forest. He rescued his nine-year-old grandson, who witnessed siblings being starved to death.
Anti-Medical Beliefs
Mackenzie’s cult preached against modern medicine, discouraged breastfeeding, and urged members not to vaccinate children, leading to tragic consequences for infants.
Legal Proceedings
Mackenzie and associates have been in custody since April, denying any forced starvation. DNA testing has identified only 39 of the 400 bodies, leaving many families in anguish and justice-seeking victims without closure.
Emotional Toll
For survivors and grieving families, justice offers little solace. Stephen Mwiti, who lost his children, reflects that justice can’t bring back his family, highlighting the profound emotional impact of this horrifying cult tragedy.