In Malindi, Kenya, Shukran Karisa Mangi, a gravedigger, was deeply disturbed by the violent deaths of doomsday cult members instructed by extremist evangelical leader Paul Mackenzie to starve themselves to meet Jesus. The discovery of a close friend’s mutilated body left him tormented day and night. Authorities uncovered at least 436 bodies in the aftermath of a police raid on Mackenzie’s Good News International Church in a forest near Malindi, resulting in Mackenzie facing murder charges for the deaths of 191 children and multiple counts of manslaughter.
The community in Malindi remains shaken by the tragic events, highlighting the power some evangelists wield despite breaking laws and causing harm to followers desperate for miracles. Mackenzie’s charismatic and mysterious persona attracted followers nationwide, including teachers and police officers, who were lured to his church in Malindi and later to Shakahola, where he demanded extreme measures from his congregation, such as fasting children to death.
Survivors recounted horrendous conditions in Shakahola, where Mackenzie lived in luxury while his followers starved. Reports emerged of sexual assaults, beatings, and disappearances of those who tried to flee. Autopsies revealed deaths from starvation, strangulation, and other violent means. Priscillar Riziki, who lost family members in the cult, described how Mackenzie’s once seemingly benevolent nature turned into disdain and control over his followers.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the situation worsened as Mackenzie enforced stricter fasting, forbidding parents from feeding their children. Attempts at rescue missions resulted in conflict, underscoring Mackenzie’s perceived power over his followers and outsiders alike. Despite warnings and complaints, authorities failed to act promptly, allowing Mackenzie to perpetrate atrocities for an extended period.
The tragic events in Malindi shed light on the unchecked authority some religious leaders hold in parts of Africa, where evangelical Christianity has flourished. Mackenzie’s case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by charismatic figures who exploit vulnerable followers for personal gain, evading accountability and wreaking havoc on unsuspecting communities.
