**New twist in Kenya: the self-proclaimed pastor and the Shakahola forest massacre**
A tragic event shook Kenya in April 2023, with the macabre discovery of a mass grave in the Shakahola forest. 429 remains were found there, victims of the terrible situation caused by the self-proclaimed evangelist pastor Paul Nthenge Mackenzie. He preached extreme fasting to his followers to “join Jesus”, thus leading these people to death by starvation.
In a final twist in this case, Paul Nthenge Mackenzie and his 94 co-accused recently took a radical decision by starting a hunger strike to protest against their pre-trial detention. The Mombasa court was the scene of a shocking scene, as these individuals, weakened to the point of no longer being able to walk, had to be urgently hospitalized.
The prosecution maintains that these defendants present a risk of flight and also fears their influence on witnesses, given the influence that the pastor exercised over his followers. The accusations against them, including murder, terrorism and torture of children, have shaken the community and sparked outrage among human rights defenders.
The situation remains tense, with the next hearing set for March 5, 2024. In the meantime, the horror of this massacre and the implications of the pastor’s behavior continue to provoke strong reactions within Kenyan society.
This affair is a tragic reminder of the dangers to which sectarian excesses and abuse of power can lead. It is crucial to remain vigilant and protect vulnerable individuals from unscrupulous manipulators, to prevent such tragedies from happening again in the future.
This article attempts to highlight atrocities committed by individuals taking advantage of the faith and vulnerability of others, while emphasizing the importance of justice and vigilance to prevent such abuses.