Leader of a Kenyan doomsday cult jailed for 12 months for producing and distributing films without a licence
The leader of a Kenyan doomsday sect, suspected of causing the deaths of over 400 followers, was sentenced to a 12-month prison term on Friday for creating and distributing films without the required license.
Paul Mackenzie, the alleged mastermind behind the Good News International Church, is accused of instructing his adherents to deprive themselves and their children of food, leading to their deaths in anticipation of reaching heaven before an impending apocalypse.
In the southeastern region of the country, authorities have uncovered numerous bodies from mass graves located in the Shakahola forest.
Despite surrendering to the police in April, Mackenzie has been consistently denied bail as investigations into the mass fatalities persist. To date, he has not faced charges related to his purported involvement in the deaths or entered a plea.
During the recent court proceedings, Magistrate Olga Onalo determined Mackenzie’s guilt in operating an unlicensed film studio, producing movies, and showcasing them to the public.
Mackenzie’s attorney, James Mouko, announced plans to appeal the verdict.
On November 10, Mackenzie was convicted on two counts of unlawfully showcasing films to the public via Times Television without the endorsement of the Kenya Film Classification Board.
He faced charges related to the operation of a film studio and the production of films without a valid filming license from the Kenya Film Classification Board.
The State alleges that Mackenzie committed these offenses between January 11 and April 11, 2019, at the Good News International Church in Malindi Township, Kilifi County, in collaboration with unidentified individuals not currently facing charges.
While under custody, Mackenzie awaits the conclusion of police investigations into the Shakahola massacre, which resulted in the tragic deaths of over 426 members of his church.
