Story perspectives

Church Leader Paul Mackenzie Convicted in Child Murder Trial

By Drooid · Oct 21, 2026, 10:20 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Paul Mackenzie, head of Good News International Church, was convicted of murdering 190 children and one adult.
Justice Diana Kavedza-Mochache delivered the verdict in Mombasa on 19 October 2026.
The cult imposed a hierarchy of death that forced children to starve before other victims.
Investigators found over 400 shallow graves in Shakahola Forest containing 429 bodies.

History

Historical Context

In November 1978 Jim Jones ordered the mass murder-suicide of 918 Peoples Temple members in Guyana, killing himself and U.S. Congressman Leo Ryan after Ryan’s investigative visit. The tragedy sparked worldwide media coverage, the formation of the Cult Awareness Network, and lasting fear of charismatic cult leaders—a pattern echoed in later convictions of cult figures.

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Story summary

Paul Mackenzie, head of Good News International Church, was convicted of murdering 190 children and one adult.
Justice Diana Kavedza-Mochache delivered the verdict in Mombasa on 19 October 2026.
The cult imposed a hierarchy of death that forced children to starve before other victims.
Investigators found over 400 shallow graves in Shakahola Forest containing 429 bodies.

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