The trial of self-proclaimed pastor Paul Nthenge Mackenzie began on Monday as he faces manslaughter charges for the deaths of over 400 followers in a horrifying cult-related incident.
Mackenzie, along with 94 other suspects, pleaded not guilty to the charges in January, but the gravity of the case has prompted a rigorous legal process.
Known as the “Shakahola Forest Massacre,” the case has shocked Kenya and the world. Prosecutors allege that Mackenzie incited his followers to starve themselves to death, believing they would “meet Jesus.” The horrific discovery of mass graves in the remote Shakahola forest last year unveiled the extent of the tragedy.
The trial, expected to last four days, marks a significant step in seeking justice for the victims. With at least 420 witnesses prepared, prosecutors aim to build a strong case against Mackenzie and his co-defendants. This case is unprecedented in Kenyan legal history, as authorities will rely on a law pertaining to suicide pacts to prosecute the accused.
Mackenzie and his associates are also facing separate charges of terrorism, murder, and child torture and cruelty related to the deaths. These charges stem from allegations of a broader pattern of abuse and control over the cult’s members.
As the trial unfolds, the nation awaits the outcome of this complex case, which has exposed the dark underbelly of religious extremism and its devastating consequences.