Cult leader on trial

CHARGED: PASTOR’, SUSPECTS IN COURT FOR DEATHS OF OVER 440 PEOPLE

- Nairobi

Murder, child abuse, terrorism, among the charges.

A Kenyan cult leader and dozens of codefendants went on trial on terrorism charg es yesterday over the deaths of hundreds of followers.

Self-proclaimed pastor Paul doomsNthenge Mackenzie's day starvation cult and what has been dubbed the Shakahola forest massacre, is one of the world's worst cult-related tragedies in recent decades.

Four bodies were initially found in April last year in the vast Shakahola forest that lies inland from the coastal town of Malindi. This led to exhumations and the discovery of mass graves containing hundreds of victims.

Mackenzie, who was arrested the day after the first bodies were found, is alleged to have incited his followers to starve to death to "meet Jesus".

An "enforcer gang" was tasked with ensuring that no one broke their fast or left the forest hideout alive.