Following the killings of 429 individuals, Paul Mackenzie and 94 others face terrorism charges.The accused all rejected the charges, which were read out in a magistrates’ court in southeastern Kenya.
The Kenyan cult leader is accused of encouraging members of his Good News International Church to relocate to Shakahola woodland in preparation for the end of the world. Hundreds would later die.
Other charges for child torture and assault are expected to be introduced at a separate court session.
Mackenzie was caught in April 2013 after remains were discovered in mass graves in a remote forest approximately two hours from the beach town of Malindi.The majority displayed indications of malnutrition, but several, including children, may have been abused, according to media accounts.
The self-proclaimed pastor denies culpability for the killings, claiming his church has been shuttered since 2019.
The suspects’ defence lawyer’s bail application has been referred to another court.