Forces behind Shakahola's deadly fasting regime

The Shakahola massacre was not the work of one man acting alone. Behind the deaths of 429 followers of Good News International Ministries (GNI), associated with controversial preacher Paul Nthenge Mackenzie, was a network of religious leaders and other individuals whose roles came under scrutiny during one of Kenya’s most disturbing criminal trials.

At the centre of the tragedy was Mackenzie, whose teachings persuaded followers to abandon basic needs, including food and water, in pursuit of what they believed was salvation. But as investigations unfolded and witnesses testified in court, a wider picture emerged of individuals who helped sustain the activities that culminated in the deaths.