self-proclaimed pastor Paul Mackenzie at Malindi courthouse in Kenya Today on 27 January, Kenyan authorities have filed new charges against controversial preacher Paul Mackenzie, accusing him of involvement in the deaths of 52 more people linked to his church, in a case that continues to shock the country and the wider region. Mackenzie, the founder of the Good News International Church , has been in custody since 2023 over the mass deaths of followers in Shakahola forest, where investigators previously discovered the bodies of more than 450 people. Prosecutors now say the death toll is hig

self-proclaimed pastor Paul Mackenzie at Malindi courthouse in Kenya

Today on 27 January, Kenyan authorities have filed new charges against controversial preacher Paul Mackenzie, accusing him of involvement in the deaths of 52 more people linked to his church, in a case that continues to shock the country and the wider region. Mackenzie, the founder of the

Good News International Church

, has been in custody since 2023 over the mass deaths of followers in Shakahola forest, where investigators previously discovered the bodies of more than 450 people. Prosecutors now say the death toll is higher following the discovery of additional bodies in a nearby village. In late 2025, police recovered 34 bodies and 102 human remains in Binzaro village, located about 30 kilometers from Shakahola in eastern Kenya. Preliminary forensic investigations concluded that the remains correspond to at least 52 victims. According to prosecutors, the deaths occurred despite Mackenzie being behind bars, with evidence suggesting that his teachings and instructions continued to influence followers from prison. Investigators say four church members allegedly carried on his practices, recruiting people and directing them to Binzaro while receiving guidance from Mackenzie through mobile phone communication. Court documents state that Mackenzie used extremist religious teachings to persuade followers to starve themselves to death, promising spiritual salvation and reunion with Jesus as a reward for their sacrifice. Authorities also report recovering handwritten notes and financial records from Mackenzie’s prison cell, pointing to coordinated planning, funding, and communication between him and his associates. Kenya’s Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions has announced plans to consolidate the new case with Mackenzie’s existing trial, where he is already charged with murder, manslaughter, and the promotion of harmful religious doctrines that led to mass fatalities in Shakahola. In the latest indictment, Mackenzie and his alleged accomplices face additional charges including terrorism-related offenses, aiding violent extremism, and murder. Mackenzie is expected to appear in court on February 11, 2026, to respond to the new accusations. First arrested in 2023 alongside 29 co-accused, Mackenzie has consistently denied wrongdoing. However, the case has reignited national debate in Kenya over the regulation of religious institutions and the dangers of radicalized faith-based movements source: The star (Kenya)

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