Paul Mackenzie Nthenge, a Kenyan pastor accused of leading an apocalyptic cult that resulted in more than 400 deaths, has been sentenced to 200 years in prison for the murders of 191 people.
In October, Mackenzie, leader of the Good News International Church, was convicted of the murders of 190 children and one adult.
Mackenzie was arrested in 2023 after a mass grave was discovered on his property. Initially, authorities unearthed 39 bodies. Later, the number of bodies discovered grew to more than 400
Paul Mackenzie Nthenge, a Kenyan pastor accused of leading an apocalyptic cult that resulted in more than 400 deaths, has been sentenced to 200 years in prison for the murders of 191 people
In 2023, authorities began investigating Mackenzie after receiving a tip that he was engaging in cult-like practices.
Mackenzie reportedly preached an apocalyptic message and encouraged his followers to starve themselves and their children so that they could meet Jesus before the end of the world.
Mackenzie attracted victims through his charismatic teaching and ability to isolate his followers from their families and communities of support. Once victims had moved onto his compound, he controlled their movements, forcing many of them to starve themselves. Children were reportedly bound, denied food, and punished if they attempted to escape.
After Mackenzie’s property was searched, the surviving victims that were found there were described by law enforcement officials as emaciated, as well as “brainwashed” and “radicalized.”
After the bodies of victims were exhumed, authorities discovered that some of the victims had died from suffocation, neck compression, or head injuries—not starvation.
