Kenyan pastor Paul Nthenge Mackenzie has been sentenced to 200 years in prison for the murders of 191 people, including 190 children and one adult, who died under his instruction to fast until death. The sentencing was carried out by the High Court in Mombasa, Kenya, on November 6, 2026. Mackenzie was found guilty of orchestrating the deaths, which occurred in a forest in Kilifi County.
According to the court's findings, Mackenzie, leader of the Good News International Church, had organized the relocation of his followers to the Shakahola forest, where he imposed extreme fasting as a means to reach paradise and meet Jesus. The investigation revealed that children were among the first victims, and those who refused to fast or tried to escape were subjected to violence and coercion.
The judge, Diana Kavedza Mochache, handed down two sentences of 100 years each. The first sentence relates to the 183 victims who died from starvation, including 182 children and one adult. The second sentence concerns eight children who died from direct homicides, such as strangulation, suffocation, or physical violence. The sentences will be served consecutively, resulting in a total prison term of 200 years.
The case came to light in 2023 after the discovery of mass graves in the Kilifi County forest. Investigations uncovered a system of religious radicalization and forced fasting within Mackenzie's community. Over 400 bodies were exhumed from the area, and the 191 deaths in question were the subject of murder charges against Mackenzie and 28 others, all of whom were found guilty on October 19, 2026.
The prosecution had sought the death penalty for Mackenzie, but the judge ultimately imposed a 200-year prison sentence. The case has reignited debate in Kenya about regulating religious organizations and preventing sectarian abuses. Mackenzie's actions were deemed particularly egregious given his role as a religious leader who exploited his followers' trust.
The court's decision was based on evidence that Mackenzie was primarily responsible for the crimes due to his leadership position. The investigation also found that children were disproportionately affected, with many being forced to fast or face violence. The community was subjected to extreme conditions, leading to widespread suffering and death.
The sentencing of Paul Mackenzie brings closure to the families of the victims, who have suffered immense pain and loss. The case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of unchecked religious extremism and the importance of protecting vulnerable populations from exploitation. The Kenyan authorities have vowed to continue monitoring and regulating religious organizations to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Key points
- Mackenzie was sentenced to 200 years in prison for the murders of 191 followers.
- The deaths occurred under Mackenzie's instruction to fast until death, with children being disproportionately affected.
- The case has sparked renewed debate in Kenya about regulating religious organizations and preventing sectarian abuses.
