The Kenyan government declared Good News International Ministries an organized criminal group Wednesday in a gazette notice by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki.
Kindiki exercised powers under the Prevention of Organized Crimes Act to designate the religious organization as an organized crime group. The declaration enables law enforcement to seize assets and prosecute members.
“In exercise of the powers conferred by section 22 (1) of the Prevention of Organized Crimes Act, the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration declares Good News International Ministries to be an organized criminal group,” the notice stated.
Good News International is headed by Paul Mackenzie, a suspected Kenyan cult leader charged with murder and terrorism over the deaths of more than 400 people found in mass graves.
Authorities arrested Mackenzie in April 2023 following the discovery of numerous bodies, some of whom reportedly died from starvation.
The self-proclaimed pastor has consistently denied any involvement in the deaths. The remains of 429 people, including children, were unearthed from grave sites located in Shakahola, a remote forest approximately two hours west of Malindi. While most exhibited signs of starvation, some, including children, may have been subjected to assault.
Mackenzie stands accused of urging members of his Good News International Church to relocate to Shakahola and prepare for an apocalyptic event.
