Kenyan cult leader sentenced to 200 years for starving 190 children
World · 6 November 2026
Written by AI from multiple news reports
A Kenyan court sentenced church leader Paul Mackenzie to 200 years in prison on November 6, 2026.
He ordered 190 children to die from hunger in Shakahola Forest near Kenya's coast. He led the Good News International Church. He told followers they must stop eating to reach heaven before the world ended.
His helpers threatened or beat people who tried to eat. Bodies were found in shallow graves and outdoor toilets. His 28 helpers received prison sentences of 10 to 160 years. About 500 people are believed to have died overall.