Kenyan Court to Sentence Controversial Preacher Paul Mackenzie Over Shakahola Forest Tragedy

A Kenyan court is set to deliver its sentencing decision on November 6, 2026, against Paul Nthenge Mackenzie, founder of the Good News International Church, and 28 co-accused. They were convicted on October 19, 2026, of 191 counts of murder involving 190 children and one adult who died in the Shakahola Forest in Kilifi County. The prosecution accused Mackenzie of using religious teachings to persuade followers to starve themselves and their children to death.

The Mombasa High Court found that Mackenzie and his associates operated a system of religious radicalisation and enforced fasting, targeting children first. Justice Diana Kavedza said the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt, establishing that the accused implemented and sustained the fasting regime that resulted in the deaths. The court heard that followers were encouraged to abandon formal education, reject modern medicine, and isolate themselves from society.

During the sentencing proceedings, Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions Jami Yamina urged the court to impose the death penalty on Mackenzie, citing the gravity of the offences and the scale of the loss of life. The prosecution also sought life imprisonment for 27 of the other convicts, arguing that their roles in the killings and the risk of reoffending warranted lengthy sentences.

The defence, however, asked the court to consider leniency, arguing that the convicts had demonstrated willingness to reform while in custody. Their lawyers proposed prison terms not exceeding 10 years, taking into account the period already spent in detention. Enos Amanya Ngala, who pleaded guilty to all 191 murder counts, was proposed for an 11-year prison term and a rehabilitation programme.

The Shakahola tragedy came to light in March 2023 after concerns were raised about children allegedly being starved in the forest. Subsequent investigations led to the discovery of hundreds of bodies buried in shallow graves. Between April and July 2023, authorities recovered 429 bodies during exhumations in the area, although 191 deaths formed the basis of the murder case concluded in October.

Forensic examinations established starvation as the cause of death in some cases, while other victims died from asphyxia, neck compression, and head injuries. In several cases, decomposition made it impossible to establish the exact cause of death. The trial involved 120 prosecution witnesses and nine defence witnesses, including survivors who testified about the fasting practices and conditions in the forest.

The case has drawn national and international attention, raising questions about religious extremism, child protection, and the oversight of religious institutions in Kenya. Mackenzie and his co-accused will face the consequences of their actions as the court delivers its sentencing decision on November 6, 2026.

Key points

• Convicted of 191 counts of murder, Paul Mackenzie and 28 co-accused face sentencing on November 6, 2026.
• The prosecution has sought the death penalty for Mackenzie and life imprisonment for 27 co-accused.
• The Shakahola tragedy resulted in the deaths of 429 people, with 191 deaths forming the basis of the murder case.