Good News International Ministries#Second suspected Malindi cult

GNIM was founded in 2003{{Cite web |date=22 April 2023 |title=How did we get here? Questions arise over Malindi cult that has been operating since 2003 |url=https://www.citizen.digital/news/how-did-we-get-here-questions-arise-over-malindi-cult-that-has-been-operating-since-2003-n318494 |access-date=24 April 2023 |website=Citizen Digital |language=en-KE |archive-date=24 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230424161925/https://www.citizen.digital/news/how-did-we-get-here-questions-arise-over-malindi-cult-that-has-been-operating-since-2003-n318494 |url-status=live }} by Paul Nthenge Mackenzie, as a small church.{{Cite web |date=2023-05-02 |title='I started a church with Mackenzie, then he ruined our lives': Tale of fight for church and the rise of a cult leader |url=https://nation.africa/kenya/news/i-started-a-church-with-mackenzie-then-he-ruined-our-lives-4218394 |access-date=2023-05-07 |website=Nation |language=en}} Before the founding, Mackenzie worked as a taxi driver in Nairobi from 1997 to 2003, during which he was charged four times for his sermons but was acquitted due to lack of evidence.{{Cite web |author1=Benard Sanga |author2=Nehemiah Okwembah |title=Stalled case of pastor in cult-like deaths exposes cracks in justice system |url=https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/national/article/2001471011/stalled-case-of-pastor-in-cult-like-deaths-exposes-cracks-in-justice-system |access-date=24 April 2023 |website=The Standard |language=en |archive-date=22 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230422045539/https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/national/article/2001471011/stalled-case-of-pastor-in-cult-like-deaths-exposes-cracks-in-justice-system |url-status=live }} When the church began to prosper, he moved to Migingo Village in Malindi. Mackenzie was able to amass a large following, largely via convincing his congregation that he could personally communicate with God.{{Cite web |last=Lisimba |first=Hillary |date=24 April 2023 |title=Rise of Pst MacKenzie who 'speaks directly to God' to infamous death cult leader |url=https://www.tuko.co.ke/people/family/503292-the-making-a-cult-rise-pastor-paul-mckenzies-good-news-international-empire/ |access-date=24 April 2023 |website=Tuko.co.ke – Kenya news. |language=en |archive-date=24 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230424114928/https://www.tuko.co.ke/people/family/503292-the-making-a-cult-rise-pastor-paul-mckenzies-good-news-international-empire/ |url-status=live }}

In 2016, according to unconfirmed reports, a member of the group sold their property on the island of Lamu to Mackenzie for 20 million KSh and then gave the money to Mackenzie. The preacher allegedly used this money to purchase property in the cities of Mombasa and Malindi as well as two vehicles, and to fund a television station to broadcast his message. This move by certain followers convinced several other members to follow suit, selling their properties and giving money to the church.

In 2017, Mackenzie and his second wife, Joyce Mwikamba (1981–2018),https://twitter.com/ntvkenya/status/1658552153064067078 were charged with promoting radicalization, but later declared innocent,{{Cite web |date=17 October 2017 |title=Controversial Malindi televangelist & his wife released by court |website=YouTube |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fn1VoCqbO7c}} as well as denying children access to health care and education and running an unauthorized school and television station; the latter precipitated the closure of the television station the following year by the Kenya Film Classification Board.{{Cite web |last=Lwanga |first=Charles |date=2 October 2017 |title=Cleric in extreme teachings case detained |url=https://nation.africa/kenya/news/cleric-in-extreme-teachings-case-detained-458446 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230422194458/https://nation.africa/kenya/news/Cleric-in-extreme-teachings-case-still-detained/1056-4121862-15m5hyc/index.html |archive-date=22 April 2023 |access-date=22 April 2023 |website=Nation |language=en}}{{Cite web |last= |first= |title=Couple accuses pastor of holding their four sons |url=https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/article/2001347642/couple-accuses-pastor-of-holding-their-four-sons |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230422221929/https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/article/2001347642/couple-accuses-pastor-of-holding-their-four-sons |archive-date=22 April 2023 |access-date=22 April 2023 |website=The Standard |language=en}} Several children died as a result of the lack of health care, and in 2017, government authorities rescued 93 children from Mackenzie's church.{{cite news|url=https://mpasho.co.ke/news/2023-04-24-11-things-you-didnt-know-about-shakahola-pastor-mackenzie/|title=11 Things you didn't know about Shakahola Pastor Mackenzie|publisher=Mpasho News|author=Wampui, Peninah|date=24 April 2023|accessdate=24 April 2023|archive-date=24 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230424084519/https://mpasho.co.ke/news/2023-04-24-11-things-you-didnt-know-about-shakahola-pastor-mackenzie/|url-status=live}} In 2018, he was criticised by community leaders including the then-Malindi MP, Aisha Jumwa,{{Cite web |last=Lwanga |first=Charles |date=31 December 2018 |title=Aisha Jumwa threatens to storm Good News Church |url=https://nation.africa/kenya/counties/kilifi/aisha-jumwa-threatens-to-storm-good-news-church-122274 |access-date=22 April 2023 |website=Nation |language=en |archive-date=22 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230422195601/https://nation.africa/kenya/counties/kilifi/aisha-jumwa-threatens-to-storm-good-news-church-122274 |url-status=live }} and other activists{{Cite web |last=Lwanga |first=Charles |date=9 October 2018 |title=Malindi residents want church opposed to education closed |url=https://nation.africa/kenya/counties/kilifi/malindi-residents-want-church-opposed-to-education-closed-96240 |access-date=22 April 2023 |website=Nation |language=en |archive-date=22 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230422200003/https://nation.africa/kenya/counties/kilifi/malindi-residents-want-church-opposed-to-education-closed-96240 |url-status=live }}{{Cite AV media |title=Mhubiri matatani kwa mahubiri yake #SemaNaCitizen |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P0DBeuBPisE |access-date=22 April 2023 |language=en |archive-date=22 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230422221931/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P0DBeuBPisE&gl=US&hl=en |url-status=live }} for inciting children to drop out of school, often without parental consent.{{Cite AV media |title=Polisi huko wamtia mbaroni kasisi Paul Makenzi,Anafunza waumini kuwa elimu rasmi ni dhambi |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iU5OUp5bEsE |access-date=22 April 2023 |language=en |archive-date=22 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230422221931/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iU5OUp5bEsE&gl=US&hl=en |url-status=live }} Mackenzie was acquitted in one of two criminal cases related to these charges on 29 October 2021, while the other was dropped.{{Cite web |last=Owino |first=Winfrey |date=April 27, 2023 |title=Previous criminal cases against Pastor Paul Mackenzie and Good News International |url=https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/national/article/2001471821/previous-criminal-cases-against-pastor-paul-mackenzie-and-good-news-international |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230427190539/https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/national/article/2001471821/previous-criminal-cases-against-pastor-paul-mackenzie-and-good-news-international |archive-date=April 27, 2023 |access-date=May 8, 2023 |website=The Standard (Kenya) |language=en}}{{Cite news |date=2023-04-27 |title=As cult deaths top 100, second Kenyan pastor arrested over 'mass killings' |language=en-AU |work=ABC News (Australia) |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-04-28/another-pastor-arrested-as-deaths-toll-passes-100-in-kenyan-cult/102276402 |access-date=2023-05-08}} He is set to have a preliminary hearing on 26 June 2023 in a case that involves incitement to disobedience of the law, being in possession and distributing films to the public which had not been examined and classified by the Kenya Film Classification Board and operating a filming studio and producing films without a valid filming license from the board.{{Cite web |date=April 28, 2023 |title=Judiciary releases the status of Paul Mackenzie pending Court Cases |url=https://www.kenyanews.go.ke/judiciary-releases-the-status-of-paul-mackenzie-pending-court-cases/ |access-date=May 8, 2023 |publisher=Kenya News Agency}}

In 2019, Mackenzie was arrested for inciting the public against registration for Huduma Namba by likening it to the mark of the beast.{{Cite web |last=Lwanga |first=Charles |date=19 April 2019 |title=Pastor Paul Makenzi in trouble again |url=https://nation.africa/kenya/news/pastor-paul-makenzi-in-trouble-again-157952 |access-date=22 April 2023 |website=Nation |language=en |archive-date=22 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230422195349/https://nation.africa/kenya/news/pastor-paul-makenzi-in-trouble-again-157952 |url-status=live }} A number of other church leaders shared Mackenzie's position at that time.{{Cite web |title=Mombasa church curses 'satanic' Huduma Namba |url=https://www.the-star.co.ke/counties/coast/2019-04-09-mombasa-church-curses-satanic-huduma-namba/ |access-date=2023-05-22 |website=The Star |language=en-KE}}{{Cite web |date=23 April 2019 |title=Kenya: Pastor Sells Off Property for Fear of 'Satanic' Huduma Namba |url=https://allafrica.com/stories/201904230645.html}} He was also accused of brainwashing and abducting children to join his group. It was after this incident that he closed his church in Migingo and moved to the remote location in Shakahola. Mackenzie claimed that GNIM had been shut down completely, but the BBC reported that his sermons continued after this date.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-65412822|title=Pastor Paul Mackenzie: What did the starvation cult leader preach?|website=BBC News|date=10 May 2023}}

According to the group's website and news media reports, GNIM has been influenced by the End-Time Message of William Branham, an informal global network of churches that emerged from Oneness Pentecostalism.{{cite web|url=http://goodnewsintlministries.blogspot.com/p/about-us.html?_sm_au_=iqVT4WQQJJHq3TqPRsp6kKs8G3jqt|title=About Us|publisher=Good News Ministries|accessdate=20 April 2023|archive-date=20 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230420204601/http://goodnewsintlministries.blogspot.com/p/about-us.html?_sm_au_=iqVT4WQQJJHq3TqPRsp6kKs8G3jqt|url-status=live}} Investigators uncovered booklets of Branham's teachings at the commune which were pictured in a news broadcast.{{cite news|title=Number of graves discovered rise to 24 in Shakahola Village|publisher=DW News|date=24 April 2023|time-caption=3:40|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9psIJugg3H8|access-date=24 April 2023|archive-date=24 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230424205652/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9psIJugg3H8|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.spieltimes.com/news/39-bodies-found-on-paul-makenzi-kenya-pastors-land-followers-allegedly-fasted-to-death/|title=39 bodies found on Paul Makenzi, Kenya pastor's land, followers allegedly 'fasted to death'|date=24 April 2023|author=Bias, Sarkar|accessdate=25 April 2023|publisher=SpielNews|archive-date=24 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230424143559/https://www.spieltimes.com/news/39-bodies-found-on-paul-makenzi-kenya-pastors-land-followers-allegedly-fasted-to-death/#.ZEfb13bMJD8|url-status=live}}

Mackenzie's teachings have been described as placing a profound emphasis on end-time doomsday warnings. Mackenzie's message was also anti-Western, and he railed against such "evils of western life" as medical services, education, food, sports, music, and "the uselessness of life". In a song titled "The Antichrist", he denounced the Catholic Church, the United States, and the United Nations as tools of Satan.

One media report alleged that he predicted that the world would end on 15 April 2023.[https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/5/13/kenya-starvation-cult-death-toll-climbs-to-201 Kenya starvation cult death toll climbs to 201], Al Jazeera

While a majority of the group's adherents have been Kenyans, some were originally from Tanzania, Uganda, and Nigeria.{{cite web|url=https://thetablet.org/shocking-cult-starvation-massacre-in-kenya-leaves-95-dead-hundreds-missing/|title=Shocking Cult Starvation Massacre in Kenya Leaves 95 Dead, Hundreds Missing|date=27 April 2023|access-date=28 April 2023|archive-date=30 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230430214451/https://thetablet.org/shocking-cult-starvation-massacre-in-kenya-leaves-95-dead-hundreds-missing/|url-status=live}}

{{main|Shakahola Forest incident}}

In the early weeks of April 2023, a man contacted the police after his wife and daughter left Nairobi to join Mackenzie's remote commune in Kilifi County and did not return. When police entered the community to investigate, they discovered emaciated people and shallow graves. Fifteen members of the group were rescued by police; they stated that they had been ordered to starve themselves to death to "meet Jesus". The 15 followers were in poor condition, and four died before they reached a hospital.{{Cite web |date=24 April 2023 |title=Number of bodies exhumed from suspected Kenyan cult graves jumps to 47 |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/number-of-bodies-exhumed-from-suspected-kenyan-cult-graves-jumps-to-47-101682280821087.html |access-date=24 April 2023 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en |archive-date=23 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230423213441/https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/number-of-bodies-exhumed-from-suspected-kenyan-cult-graves-jumps-to-47-101682280821087.html |url-status=live }}

Over the following three weeks, police searched the {{cvt|800|acre|km2|adj=on}} commune, finding more shallow graves and additional survivors who were starving to death. The first bodies recovered from the graves were mostly children. One of the graves was believed by police to contain the bodies of five members of the same family – three children and their parents. One of the graves had up to six people inside it. Another grave had 12 children in it. Some of the bodies were not buried. Authorities also discovered a number of other emaciated individuals, including one who had been buried alive for three days and was later taken to a hospital for treatment. Local authorities began requesting assistance from other jurisdictions to help with efforts at the commune. Authorities believed that an unknown number of missing people were still hiding in the forest on the commune and evading authorities while continuing to fast. Authorities reported that members of the commune were actively trying to hinder their efforts to find survivors.{{cite web|url=https://www.citizen.digital/news/malindi-cult-shock-as-12-more-graves-discovered-number-rises-to-27-n318390|title=Malindi Cult: Shock As 12 More Graves Discovered, Number Rises To 27|author=Achieng, Serfine|date=20 April 2023|access-date=20 April 2023|archive-date=20 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230420204602/https://www.citizen.digital/news/malindi-cult-shock-as-12-more-graves-discovered-number-rises-to-27-n318390|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news/four-cult-members-starve-death-29715831|title=Four cult members starve to death in Kenyan forest after 'fasting to meet Jesus'|author=Fiorillo, Chiara|newspaper=The Mirror|date=14 April 2023|access-date=20 April 2023|archive-date=20 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230420204600/https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news/four-cult-members-starve-death-29715831|url-status=live}}{{Cite web |title=Kenya starvation cult death toll hits 90 as morgues fill up: 'Nothing prepares you for shallow mass graves of children' |publisher=CBS News |agency=AFP |date=25 April 2023 |access-date= |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/kenya-starvation-cult-death-toll-rises-child-graves-shakahola-forest-massacre/ |archive-date=26 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230426035813/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/kenya-starvation-cult-death-toll-rises-child-graves-shakahola-forest-massacre/ |url-status=live }}

According to testimonies to police, Mackenzie told his followers "the fast would count only if they gathered together, and offered them his farm as a fasting venue. They were not to mingle with anyone from the 'outside' world if they wanted to go to heaven and were to destroy all documents given by the government, including national IDs and birth certificates."{{cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/4/25/why-did-73-kenya-cult-members-starve-to-death|title=Why did 73 Kenyan cult members starve to death?|accessdate=25 April 2023|date=25 April 2023|publisher=Al Jazeera|author=Akello, Immaculate|archive-date=25 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230425120240/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/4/25/why-did-73-kenya-cult-members-starve-to-death|url-status=live}} On 26 May, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki said that Mackenzie hired criminals armed with crude weapons to kill followers who changed their minds about fasting and wanted out, as well as those who took too long to die.[https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/article/2001473797/kindiki-makenzi-hired-armed-gangs-to-kill-followers-who-took-too-long-to-die Kindiki: Makenzi hired armed gangs to kill followers who backed out of starving plan or took too long to die]

133 deaths were reported as of 10 May 2023,{{Cite news |date=2023-05-09 |title=More bodies found in search for Kenyan forest death cult followers |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/kenyan-forest-death-cult-bodies-are-victims-highly-organised-crime-2023-05-09/ |access-date=2023-05-10}} including eight who were rescued but later died. The majority of deaths were of children, with women being the next largest group, according to Kindiki.{{Cite news |last=Mersie |first=Ayenat |date=28 April 2023 |title=Children account for majority of Kenyan cult deaths, interior minister says |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/children-account-majority-kenyan-cult-deaths-interior-minister-2023-04-28/ |url-status=live |access-date=29 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230429003459/https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/children-account-majority-kenyan-cult-deaths-interior-minister-2023-04-28/ |archive-date=29 April 2023}} He additionally stated that not all deaths were by starvation, saying that "there were other methods used, including hurting them, just by physical and preliminary observations." Autopsies conducted on more than 100 bodies showed that the victims died of starvation, strangulation, suffocation and blunt trauma. The Kenyan Red Cross reported on 30 April that 410 individuals, including 227 minors, were missing.{{Cite news |last=Kimeu |first=Caroline |date=2023-04-30 |title='We tried to stop her': Kenyan teenager tells how cult starved his mother |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/apr/30/we-tried-to-stop-her-kenyan-teenager-tells-how-cult-starved-his-mother |url-status=live |access-date=2023-05-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230501203251/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/apr/30/we-tried-to-stop-her-kenyan-teenager-tells-how-cult-starved-his-mother |archive-date=2023-05-01 |issn=0261-3077}}{{Cite news |last=Wangira |first=Dorcas |date=2023-05-01 |title=Kenya starvation cult: 'My wife and six children followed Pastor Mackenzie' |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-65423645 |url-status=live |access-date=2023-05-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230502191946/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-65423645 |archive-date=2023-05-02}} As of 2 August, the total number of reported deaths was 427,{{cite web | url=https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/coast/article/2001478552/two-unborn-babies-raise-shakahola-deaths-to-427 | title=Two unborn babies raise Shakahola deaths to 427 }} and the number of those reported missing was at least 613. As of 15 June, 95 had been rescued.[https://time.com/6287440/kenya-shakahola-mackenzie-death-cult/ More Than 300 Dead After Kenyan Doomsday Cult Leader Asked Followers to Starve to 'Meet Jesus.' Here's What We Know][https://nation.africa/kenya/news/shakahola-cult-613-people-reported-to-be-missing-4245540 Shakahola cult: 613 people reported to be missing][https://www.the-star.co.ke/news/2023-05-16-shakahola-horror-3-people-rescued-10-more-bodies-exhumed/ Shakahola horror: 3 people rescued, 10 more bodies exhumed]{{Cite web |date=2023-05-12 |title=Shakahola cult: Record number of bodies exhumed, total now 179 |url=https://nation.africa/kenya/counties/kilifi/shakahola-cult-record-number-of-bodies-exhumed-total-now-179-4232522 |access-date=2023-05-12 |website=Nation |language=en}} On 25 May, local news outlet K24TV noted that "The exact number of people who perished in the massacre might never be known following reports that there are instances where bodies were plunged in random deep pit latrines scattered in the expansive Chakama ranch where cult leader Paul Mackenzie led an unknown number of his followers."[https://www.k24tv.co.ke/news/kindiki-to-oversee-postmortem-of-129-bodies-103903/ Shakahola tragedy: Kindiki to oversee postmortem of 129 bodies] On September 18 The Nation reported that a total of 429 bodies had been exhumed from Shakahola Forest, and that "The latest data indicates that 214 died from starvation, 39 from asphyxia, 14 from head injury, while 115 remain unascertained, and others from other causes."{{cite web | url=https://nation.africa/kenya/counties/mombasa/shakahola-cult-state-seeks-to-detain-mackenzie-29-others-for-180-more-days-4372816 | title=Shakahola cult: State seeks to detain Mackenzie, 29 others for 180 more days | date=18 September 2023 }} On 28 September The Standard reported that "A multi-agency team…has exhumed more than 450 bodies suspected to be followers of Pastor Paul Makenzi’s church."{{cite web | url=https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/coast/article/2001482463/ps-omollo-shakahola-operation-to-end-soon | title=PS Omollo: Shakahola operation to end soon }}

On 24 April, search teams had to stop digging for bodies until autopsies were completed on the first 90 bodies that were found because the Malindi Sub-County Hospital's morgue was running out of space to store the bodies. On 28 April, it was reported that heavy rain was slowing rescue and recovery efforts.{{Cite web |last=Kithi |first=Marion |date=April 28, 2023 |title=360 people reported missing as heavy rains disrupt Shakahola operation |url=https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/national/article/2001471908/360-people-reported-missing-as-heavy-rains-disrupt-operation |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230428205422/https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/national/article/2001471908/360-people-reported-missing-as-heavy-rains-disrupt-operation |archive-date=28 April 2023 |access-date=April 30, 2023 |website=The Standard |language=en}} "Mackenzie brainwashed his converts using William Branham's End of Days Theology, and convinced them that starvation could hasten their escape from this life to be with Jesus," detectives from the homicide unit said.{{cite web|url=https://www.pd.co.ke/news/mackenzie-cult-leader-who-led-legions-to-death-178492/|title=Mackenzie: Cult leader who led legions to death|author=Njoka, Sophia|publisher=Peoples Daily|date=27 April 2023|accessdate=28 April 2023|archive-date=25 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230425063218/https://www.pd.co.ke/news/mackenzie-cult-leader-who-led-legions-to-death-178492/|url-status=live}}

Mackenzie, his third wife Rhoda Mumbua Maweu and 16 other members of his church were arrested by authorities and were being held in police custody as of 7 May 2023.{{Cite web |date=2023-05-05 |title=Shakahola cult: Paul Mackenzie, his wife and 16 followers held 5 more days |url=https://nation.africa/kenya/news/shakahola-cult-paul-mackenzie-his-wife-and-16-followers-held-5-more-days-4224356 |access-date=2023-05-07 |website=Nation |language=en}} Mackenzie was denied bail on 10 May. As of 14 June, the total number of those arrested was 36. They have been charged with murder and terrorism-related offenses.[https://nation.africa/kenya/news/shakahola-death-toll-hits-318-as-15-more-bodies-exhumed-4270206 Shakahola death toll hits 318 as 15 more bodies exhumed][https://www.cbsnews.com/news/kenya-cult-death-toll-rises-to-200-with-more-than-600-reported-missing/ Kenya cult death toll rises to 200; more than 600 reported missing], CBS News[https://www.the-star.co.ke/news/realtime/2023-05-13-shakahola-cult-22-more-bodies-exhumed-exercise-suspended-for-2-days/ Shakahola cult: 22 more bodies exhumed, exercise suspended for 2 days]

Police authorities claimed that some of the bodies were missing organs, which "raised suspicions of forced harvesting".{{cite web|url=https://www.thecitizen.co.tz/tanzania/news/east-africa-news/-some-of-the-shakahola-cult-victims-had-their-organs-missing--4228052|title=Some of the Shakahola cult victims had their organs missing|author=Nation. Africa|publisher=The Citizen|date=May 9, 2023|accessdate=2023-05-09}}{{Cite news |agency=Agence France-Presse |date=2023-05-09 |title=Autopsies reveal missing organs in Kenya cult deaths, say police |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/may/09/autopsies-missing-organs-kenya-cult-deaths-police |access-date=2023-05-09 |issn=0261-3077}} However, on 10 May, Kindiki refuted these assertions as "politicization of the probe into the massacre," and advised the public to "treat it [allegedly missing body parts] as rumours. People who have facts are those on the ground not those in offices."{{Cite web |last=Kithi |first=Marion |title=Kindiki dismisses police report on Shakahola body organs trade |url=https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/national/article/2001472617/kindiki-dismisses-police-report-on-shakahola-body-organs-trade |access-date=2023-05-12 |website=The Standard |language=en}}{{cite web |title=Shakahola Victims Have All Body Organs |url=https://www.tuko.co.ke/kenya/counties/505367-kithure-kindiki-differs-dci-shakahola-victims-body-organs/ |website=Tuko|date=10 May 2023 }}{{Cite web |date=9 May 2023 |title=Keep off Shakahola forest, CS Kindiki bans politicians |url=https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/coast/article/2001472477/keep-off-shakahola-forest-cs-kindiki-bans-politicians |access-date=23 May 2023 |website=The Standard}} As of 8 May 2023, autopsies performed on 112 of the exhumed bodies ruled out the possibility of organ harvesting.

On 12 June 2023, 65 victims were arraigned for attempted suicide. In Kenya, suicide is a misdemeanor, and is punishable by up to two years in prison. Roseline Odede, chairperson of the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights, criticized the attempted suicide charges, saying that "Charging the survivors with attempted suicide is inappropriate and will re-traumatize the survivors at a time when they most desperately require empathy, intense psycho-social assistance, rehabilitation, and community support." According to the Citizen Digital news service, "The prosecution made an application to have them remanded in prison because the rescue centre can no longer hold them. They are also set to undergo a mental and medical assessment and be forced to eat in prison."[https://www.the-star.co.ke/news/realtime/2023-06-12-65-shakahola-victims-arraigned-for-attempted-suicide/ 65 Shakahola victims arraigned for attempted suicide][https://www.citizen.digital/news/shakahola-cult-65-survivors-charged-with-attempted-suicide-n321493 Shakahola Cult: 65 Survivors Charged With Attempted Suicide]

On 3 July 2023, the Shanzu Magistrate Court released Mackenzie's wife, Rhoda Maweu, on a personal bond of KSH 100,000 (US$711) with a surety bond of KSH 300,000 (US$2,131). In his ruling, Shanzu Senior Principal Magistrate Yusuf Shikanda said the state had failed to prove why Maweu should continue being held with the other accused persons. Rhoda Maweu had been in custody for 62 days.{{cite web |work= The Star Newspaper |title=Mackenzie's wife granted sh 400000 bond in Shakahola deaths case |url=https://www.the-star.co.ke/news/2023-07-03-mackenzis-wife-granted-sh400000-bond-in-shakahola-deaths-case/ |language= en}} The court also ruled Mackenzie and the 16 co-accused to remain in custody for another 30 days.{{cite web |work= BBC |title= Cult leaders wife freed on bail in Kenya |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world |language= en}}

In January 2024, the court granted another fourteen days of detention for Mackenzie and several alleged accomplices, but warned that if he had not been charged by that time he could be released. Magistrate Shikanda noted that Mackenzie had been in custody for 117 days, one of the longest detentions without charge in Kenyan history.{{cite news|url=https://citizen.digital/news/court-gives-govt-14-days-to-prosecute-paul-mackenzie-or-he-be-released-n334485|title=Court Gives Gov't 14 Days To Prosecute Paul Mackenzie Or He Be Released|website=The Citizen|date=9 January 2024|first=Martin|last=Munene}} On 17 January, Mackenzie and thirty others were charged with the murders of 191 children who were among the deceased.{{cite news|url=https://apnews.com/article/kenya-doomsday-cult-pastor-charges-54a384a5aa4842490b7ffec5139d73e8|newspaper=The Associated Press|title=Kenya doomsday cult leader, 30 others face charges of murdering 191 children. More charges to follow|date=18 January 2024|last=Odula|first=Tom}} They appeared at the High Court for arraignment but did not enter pleas. Judge Magure Thanda ordered that all of the defendants should undergo psychological evaluations by February 6 before they could plead.{{cite news|url=https://news.sky.com/story/doomsday-cult-leader-paul-mackenzie-appears-in-kenyan-court-charged-with-murdering-191-children-13050799|title=Doomsday cult leader Paul Mackenzie appears in Kenyan court charged with murdering 191 children|newspaper=Sky News|date=18 January 2024|last=Gillespie|first=Tom}} Mackenzie was ruled fit for trial and pleaded not guilty.{{cite news|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/kenya-cult-starvation-pastor-paul-mackenzie-pleads-not-guilty-191-child-murders/|title=Self-proclaimed pastor accused of leading starvation cult in Kenya pleads not guilty to 191 child murders|newspaper=CBS News|date=6 February 2024|last=Carter|first=Sarah}}

At a High Court hearing of the case in May 2024 the court ordered the prosecutors to reduce the number of charges from 191 to 12 in order to avoid delays and to protect due process, stating that "the interests of justice will be better served this way".{{cite news|newspaper=The Nation Africa|date=21 May 2024|url=https://nation.africa/kenya/counties/mombasa/why-court-advised-dpp-to-reduce-murder-charges-against-shakahola-suspects-4630308|title=Why court advised DPP to reduce murder charges against Shakahola suspects|first=Brian|last=Ocharo}}

Kenyan President William Ruto said Mackenzie's beliefs were contrary to authentic religion.{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/death-toll-kenyan-starvation-cult-rises-58-police-2023-04-24/|publisher=Reuters|accessdate=24 April 2023|date=24 April 2023|author=Holland, Hereward|title=Death toll in Kenyan starvation cult rises to 73 – police|archive-date=24 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230424164244/https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/death-toll-kenyan-starvation-cult-rises-58-police-2023-04-24/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web |date=24 April 2023 |title=Ruto speaks on Shakahola cult: 'Paul Mackenzie belongs in jail' |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fdhptC3XbbM |access-date=28 April 2023 |website=Nation |archive-date=28 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230428083548/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fdhptC3XbbM |url-status=live }} Ruto also said "Mr Mackenzie, who acts as a pastor, is in fact a terrible criminal. Terrorists use religion to advance their heinous acts. People like Mackenzie are using religion to do exactly the same thing," the Head of State said, adding that the cult leader and others like him should be in jail."{{Cite web |date=2023-04-24 |title=Ruto speaks on Shakahola cult: 'Paul Mackenzie belongs in jail' |url=https://nation.africa/kenya/news/politics/ruto-speaks-shakahola-cult-paul-mackenzie-belongs-in-jail-4210598 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230718180328/https://nation.africa/kenya/news/politics/ruto-speaks-shakahola-cult-paul-mackenzie-belongs-in-jail-4210598 |archive-date=2023-07-18 |access-date=2023-07-18 |website=Nation |language=en}} He appointed a commission of inquiry into the deaths and created a task force to review the regulations governing religious organizations.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki said, "This horrendous blight on our conscience must lead not only to the most severe punishment of the perpetrator(s) of the atrocity on so many innocent souls, but tighter regulation (including self-regulation) of every church, mosque, temple or synagogue going forward."

A second pastor, also based in Malindi, was arrested a few days after the Mackenzie starvation incident occurred. Authorities said Ezekiel Odero, pastor of New Life Prayer Centre and Church in Mavueni, Kilifi County, would soon face criminal charges relating to the mass killing of his own followers. Several deaths were recorded at his church between 2022 and 2023, and police believe those bodies may have been moved to Shakahola Forest.{{Cite web |last=Mersie |first=Ayenat |date=April 28, 2023 |title=More than 100 died at a religious cult in Kenya. The majority are children, says minister |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/kenya-cult-deaths-children-1.6826023 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230429030641/https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/kenya-cult-deaths-children-1.6826023 |archive-date=29 April 2023 |access-date=April 30, 2023 |website=CBC News }} Over 103 followers were evacuated from the church premises and will be expected to give statements. As of 27 April 2023 police had not yet confirmed whether the two groups are linked.{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/apr/27/second-kenyan-pastor-accused-of-mass-killing-of-followers |title=Second Kenyan pastor accused of mass killing of followers |newspaper=The Guardian |date=27 April 2023 |agency=Agence France-Presse |access-date=27 April 2023 |archive-date=27 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230427193711/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/apr/27/second-kenyan-pastor-accused-of-mass-killing-of-followers |url-status=live }}

As of May 19, 2023 the Registrar of Societies in Kenya had de-registered Good News International Ministries as part of government's crackdown on unscrupulous churches.{{Cite web |date=2023-08-18 |title=Kenya bans churches linked to cult deaths |url=https://www.thecitizen.co.tz/tanzania/news/east-africa-news/kenya-bans-churches-linked-to-cult-deaths-4339778 |access-date=2023-09-04 |website=The Citizen |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2023-08-19 |title=State deregisters Mackenzie, Pastor Ezekiel's churches |url=https://nation.africa/kenya/news/state-deregisters-mackenzie-pastor-ezekiel-s-churches-4339538 |access-date=2023-09-04 |website=Nation |language=en}}

• Rancho Santa Fe, California, site of the 1997 mass suicide by followers of the Heaven's Gate religious group led by Bonnie Nettles and Marshall Applewhite
• Jonestown, Guyana, site of the 1978 mass murder-suicide by followers of the US-based Peoples Temple cult led by Jim Jones
• Movement for the Restoration of the Ten Commandments of God, an apocalyptic pseudo-Catholic sect in southwest Uganda
• Nongqawuse, a South African prophetess whose teachings led to the Xhosa cattle-killing movement and famine (1854–1858)

{{Reflist}}

• [https://william-branham.org/site/research/people/paul_mackenzie William Branham Historical Research]
• [https://biblicalstudies.org.uk/pdf/ajet/07-2_001.pdf?fbclid=IwAR0yArB_5JcAaIfHU7nBld1JDBDSbz4y3i_5XeGHoPyZBRRQRkrrXEfnl98 "Branhamites," by A. Scott Moreau in East Africa Journal of Evangelical Theology]

{{The Message of William Branham}}

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