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Leader of Deadly Fasting Sect in Court

» Updated: 16 July 2024, 14:53

» Published: 09 July 2024

Leader of Deadly Fasting Sect in Court
Photo: AP/TT

A former taxi driver who self-proclaimed himself as a pastor urged his followers to starve to death to meet Jesus in one of the world's worst sect-related massacres.

The trial has now begun for Paul Nthenge Mackenzie, accused of terrorism and responsible for the deaths of over 440 people.

The high-profile case was uncovered last spring when the police rescued 15 emaciated congregation members from Mackenzie's church in the Kilifi area in southeastern Kenya. A search effort led to a forest with hundreds of graves.

Starvation appears to have been the main cause of death, but some victims – including children – were strangled or beaten to death, according to autopsy results. According to prosecutors, the crimes took place between 2020 and 2023.

Terror-accused Mackenzie and 95 others charged with murder, manslaughter, and torture related to the deaths have all denied the crimes.

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By TTThis article has been altered and translated by Sweden Herald

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