LiberalMindsKE

  n a shocking discovery on a ranch hidden in Kenya’s Shakahola Forest, more than 100 people – including children – have been found dead in mass graves. Hundreds more are still missing. Pastor Paul Mackenzie convinced followers of his Good News International Church that the world was ending, though he denies telling them to starve themselves to death. Now, the country is reeling, and Kenyan President William Ruto has called the mass deaths “akin to terrorism”. But it was not the pastor’s first brush with the authorities. Could this have been stopped? And how did one man get hundreds of people to follow him down this path?

By John Muthoga Wambugu   Across Africa, discussions about LGBTQ identity and what is often referred to as “gay culture” remain deeply complex, emotional, and highly contested. While global conversations on human rights increasingly emphasize inclusion and equality, many African societies continue to express strong resistance to the visibility and acceptance of LGBTQ identities. This resistance is shaped by a combination of cultural history, religious beliefs, colonial legacy, and social structures that continue to influence modern African life. At the same time, LGBTQ individuals in many parts of Africa continue to face discrimination, legal restrictions, and social persecution, raising ongoing debates about human rights, cultural sovereignty, and moral values. One of the most frequently cited reasons for resistance to LGBTQ acceptance in Africa is the strong influence of cultural and religious traditions. Many African societies are built around deeply rooted family struct...