A new twist in one of the deadliest cult cases of recent years. Kenyan pastor Paul Nthenge Mackenzie , already facing charges for the 2023 Shakahola massacre, now faces new charges related to the deaths of 52 people in the town of Kwa Binzaro , on the Kenyan coast.

New extremely heavy loads

On February 11, 2026, Kenyan authorities indicted Mackenzie and seven co-defendants on several charges, including:

-terrorism

-child murders

-homicide

-organized crime and radicalization

The eight defendants appeared in court in Mombasa and pleaded not guilty . The next hearing is scheduled for March 4, 2026 .

The Kwa Binzaro Mass Grave

This new procedure follows the discovery, in August 2025 , of 52 bodies buried in shallow pits at Kwa Binzaro, located about 30 km from the Shakahola forest.

According to prosecutors, the victims belonged to an apocalyptic cult linked to the Good News International Church , led by Mackenzie. Investigators allege that followers were encouraged to fast to death in order to reach heaven before the end of the world .

A particularly disturbing fact: authorities believe that the pastor continued to run the sect from his cell , notably through handwritten notes and financial transactions.

A reminder of the Shakahola tragedy

This case adds to the major Shakahola scandal, revealed in 2023. More than 400 bodies were exhumed in a forest in Kilifi County, making this tragedy one of the worst cult-related disasters in the world .

Autopsies had shown that the majority of victims had died of starvation, while some, including children, showed signs of violence.

A national debate relaunched

This case continues to shake Kenya and reignites the debate on the regulation of religious movements and sects in this predominantly Christian country.



The upcoming trial could mark a major step in the quest for justice for the hundreds of victims of this tragedy.