At the beginning of the investigations, Mackenzie and several co-suspects were charged using Kenya’s domestic laws.
Prosecutors filed cases such as murder, manslaughter and terrorism-related offences in connection with the deaths of followers linked to his church.
However, the State has now escalated the case by charging the suspects with crimes against humanity under the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court.
Officials say the scale of deaths and the alleged organised nature of the acts forced prosecutors to rethink the legal framework.
A State prosecutor explained that the new charges reflect the seriousness of the case.
“The evidence gathered shows a systematic pattern of abuse and deaths affecting many civilians. That is why the State moved to charge the suspects with crimes against humanity,” the prosecutor said.
Kenya can apply the Rome Statute through the International Crimes Act 2008, which allows local courts to prosecute international crimes such as genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Investigators believe Mackenzie’s teachings pushed followers to isolate themselves and fast for long periods in order to “meet Jesus.”
Many victims are believed to have died from starvation in remote areas of Shakahola.
Authorities say the number of bodies discovered during exhumations shocked the country and raised questions about how such a tragedy could unfold unnoticed.
A senior investigator involved in the case said the scale of the deaths could not be treated as ordinary criminal acts.
“When you are dealing with hundreds of victims and organised control over followers, it becomes more than a simple murder investigation,” the officer said.
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