The son of a convicted Kenyan cult leader says he recently rescued his siblings from forced starvation. The cult leader faces sentencing in November.
Paul Mackenzie, a Kenyan cult leader, recently faced a murder conviction. His son, Dan Mackenzie, says his younger siblings still faced forced starvation just weeks ago.
Also, Dan reported his own grandmother to the police. Officers rescued eight children, including five of Dan’s siblings, from her home.
Next, the children had gone without food for nearly three days. Authorities moved them to a safe rescue center immediately.
Meanwhile, the court found Paul Mackenzie guilty of murdering 191 people. He ordered his followers to starve themselves and their children.
However, the cult leader claimed this act would help them meet Jesus. He also taught that modern medicine was evil.
As a result, Dan Mackenzie suffered during his own childhood. He recalls being forced to fast for an entire week at age twelve.
Later, Dan explained that his father forbade education. Dan left school when he was only seven years old.
Still, Dan now works as a motorcycle taxi driver in Malindi. He supports himself and the siblings he helped rescue.
After that, the court heard chilling details about the cult’s practices. Members forced people to starve through violence and beatings.
Finally, the judge described how followers viewed deaths as weddings to Jesus. Paul Mackenzie faces sentencing on November 6.
Currently, the leader faces additional charges. These include terrorism, radicalization, and denying children the right to an education.
Furthermore, this murder verdict follows the discovery of 400 bodies. Officials found the remains buried in the Shakahola forest.