Kenyan Preacher Paul Mackenzie Sentenced to 200 Years for Cult Murders

Kenyan cult preacher Paul Nthenge Mackenzie has been sentenced to 200 years in prison for his role in the murder of 190 children and one adult under a deadly fasting regime. The sentencing took place at the Mombasa High Court on Friday, with Justice Diana Kavedza handing down the sentence. Mackenzie was convicted of 191 murder counts along with 28 co-accused. The court found that Mackenzie's Good News International Church organized an enforced fasting system in Shakahola Forest in coastal Kilifi County between 2021 and 2023.

The fasting regime, which promised followers they would "meet Jesus," targeted children first, while those who tried to eat or escape were beaten. Mackenzie received 100 years for 183 murders by starvation and another 100 years for eight child murders by direct homicide, with the terms to run consecutively. Fifteen co-convicts, including Mackenzie's assistant pastor Smart Mwakalama, received 160-year prison terms, ten were sentenced to 140 years, one received 100 years, while two were jailed for ten years each.

Justice Kavedza described the crimes as "darkness" and stated that the sentence must match the severity of the deeds. She rejected pleas for leniency, citing the scale and brutality of the crimes. The court also heard that the cult's teachings had "displaced the parental instincts," with parents withholding food and water from their own children and punishing those who tried to eat or escape.

During sentencing, Kavedza described the death of a 12-day-old infant and 161 children under ten. She also referred to a mother who lost seven children and a relative who lost eight family members, including two grandchildren. Mackenzie was arrested in April 2023 after police rescued emaciated followers from the forest. Investigators later uncovered hundreds of bodies in shallow graves.

The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights put the death toll at 429 and accused security officials of ignoring warnings about Mackenzie dating back to 2017. Postmortem examinations found that many victims starved, while others died from suffocation, strangulation, or head injuries. Kenyan President William Ruto described the Shakahola deaths as "akin to terrorism" and ordered law enforcement agencies to investigate the case as a criminal matter.

The judge also ordered continued state support for surviving victims, including psychosocial care, education, vocational training, documentation, and help with reintegration. She directed authorities to continue identifying remains and tracing missing victims. Eligible co-convicts, excluding Mackenzie, may also undergo voluntary deradicalization and rehabilitation programs, though participation will not automatically reduce their sentences or secure early release.

Mackenzie has denied forcing followers to fast, and his lawyer, Lawrence Obonyo, said after last month's conviction that the defense intended to appeal. The case has raised concerns about the regulation of religious groups and the protection of vulnerable individuals. The court's decision has been seen as a significant step towards justice for the victims and their families.

Key points

• Paul Mackenzie sentenced to 200 years in prison for cult murders.
• 191 murder counts against Mackenzie and 28 co-accused.
• Victims died from starvation, suffocation, strangulation, or head injuries.