One of the most horrific crimes in modern history was uncovered in Kenya, shocking the world. Paul McKenzie was found guilty of murdering at least 190 children and one adult. The former taxi driver had proclaimed himself the leader of a cult, urging its members not to feed themselves or their children. According to his teachings, this was the only way they would be led to paradise before the end of the world.
Calm and with a vacant stare, he appeared in court alongside his wife, who was also found guilty, as were 29 other people.
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The scenes outside the courthouse were like those of an ancient tragedy. Dozens of relatives of the victims were there to hear the court’s verdict. Members of the cult revealed to REUTERS that McKenzie forbade them from sending their children even to school or to the hospital if they were sick, since he called such places satanic. In his defense, he denied all charges.
The story made headlines around the world within a few hours. The number of victims is estimated to be much higher, following the discovery of hundreds of bodies in mass graves, not all of which have been identified yet.
Of the 400 bodies found in the Sakahola forest, only 26 have been identified.
The case came to light in 2023, when a man reported to authorities that his brother and his brother’s wife had starved their children to death on Mackenzie’s orders. Authorities arrested him, and several weeks later began locating the mass graves. The sentences for both him and the others who were convicted will be announced on November 6.
Watch the report by Nasia Ioannou:
