Kenyan Court Convicts Paul McKenzie and 29 Followers in Doomsday Cult Murders

BBC Africa correspondent Thomas Maguana reports on a Kenyan high court verdict convicting self-proclaimed preacher Paul McKenzie and 29 followers of 191 counts of murder linked to a doomsday cult in Shakahola forest. The report outlines how followers, including children, were instructed to starve in preparation for the end of times, and it covers the recovery of around 400 bodies and testimony from survivors and families.

■ Court verdict and charges
- 191 murder counts involving 190 children and one adult
- Guilty findings for McKenzie and 29 accused persons

■ Cult instructions and hierarchy
- Followers told to starve to reach heaven
- Children instructed to die first, then women, then men

■ Investigation and aftermath
- Shallow graves and forensic recovery in Shakahola forest
- Families receiving remains and seeking answers
- Questions for authorities about missed red flags
- Sentencing had not taken place at the time of the report

It is suited to viewers seeking a concise factual account of the court verdict and the reported circumstances surrounding the Shakahola cult deaths. The report provides context on the charges, the testimony cited by the judge, and the aftermath for survivors and families. Viewers can use it to follow the case and related accountability questions.