The son of a convicted Kenyan cult leader says his siblings were recently starved. Authorities rescued the children following his report to police.
Dan Mackenzie, the eldest son of cult leader Paul Mackenzie, recently shared disturbing details about his family. He says his younger siblings faced forced starvation as recently as two weeks ago.
Also, Dan contacted the police to report this abuse. Officers rescued eight children, including his five siblings, from their grandmother's home. They now reside in a safe center.
Meanwhile, a court recently found Paul Mackenzie guilty of murdering 191 people. The victims died from starvation in the Shakahola forest. He ordered them to starve to meet Jesus.
Next, Dan revealed his own history with the cult. His father forced him to fast for an entire week at age twelve. Members also beat him to force his attendance at services.
Furthermore, the cult leader banned modern medicine and education. Dan left school at only seven years old. He now works as a taxi driver to support his younger siblings.
Then, the court proceedings helped Dan understand the true scale of his father's crimes. He initially struggled to believe the reports. He eventually realized he had to report his own grandmother to his family.
After that, the legal team presented evidence about the cult's cruel practices. Followers believed Mackenzie acted as the mouthpiece for Jesus. Those who resisted fasting faced physical violence from other members.
Still, the judge noted the group called forest burials "weddings." They celebrated death as a way to unite with Jesus. The court will deliver a final sentence on November 6.
Finally, other victims expressed relief after the guilty verdict. Stephen Mwiti lost all six of his children to the cult. He welcomed the justice served by the court.
Additionally, the leader faces more charges involving terrorism and radicalization. Authorities discovered over 400 bodies buried in shallow forest graves. These trials will continue to address the full scope of these terrible events.