The High Court of Mombasa in Kenya has sentenced Paul Mackenzie, a Kenyan preacher, to 200 years in prison for his role in the murder of 191 people, including 190 children, in the Shakahola forest. Mackenzie, the founder of the Good News International Church, was found guilty of orchestrating the deaths, which occurred between 2020 and 2023. The court heard that Mackenzie had instructed his followers to fast to death in order to meet Jesus.
According to the court's findings, Mackenzie organized the relocation of his followers to the Shakahola forest in Kilifi County, where he ordered them to fast until death. The judge, Diana Kavedza, attributed primary criminal responsibility to Mackenzie, stating that his religious teachings were used to organize and enforce the deadly practices. The court also established that some followers were prevented from leaving the site, and guards were stationed to enforce the fasting directives.
The victims, mostly children, died from starvation, while eight others were killed through suffocation, strangulation, or physical violence. In total, 429 bodies were discovered at the Shakahola site, with the 191 murders being part of this larger toll. Mackenzie's sentence consists of two consecutive 100-year prison terms, reflecting the severity of his crimes.
In addition to Mackenzie's sentencing, 28 other individuals were convicted for their roles in the massacre. These individuals were accused of participating in the enforcement of Mackenzie's directives, monitoring the followers, and concealing the bodies. Smart Mwakalama, Mackenzie's deputy pastor, received a sentence of 160 years in prison.
The Shakahola massacre case came to light in April 2023, following reports of suspicious deaths in the forest. Authorities intervened, and subsequent excavations uncovered the scale of the tragedy. Investigations revealed that Mackenzie's followers were isolated, and he discouraged them from seeking medical care or education.
Mackenzie is also facing other judicial proceedings related to terrorism, child abuse, and torture. This conviction marks one of the deadliest cases of religious manipulation in Kenya's recent history. The judiciary aims to hold Mackenzie accountable for his actions, which caused immense suffering and loss of life.
The case has sparked widespread outrage in Kenya, renewing debates about the regulation of religious organizations. With this historic conviction, the Kenyan justice system seeks to sanction one of the most lethal episodes of religious manipulation in the country's recent history.
Key points
- Paul Mackenzie sentenced to 200 years in prison for orchestrating the Shakahola massacre.
- 191 people, mostly children, died under Mackenzie's instructions to fast to death.
- 28 others convicted for roles in the massacre, with sentences including 160 years for deputy pastor Smart Mwakalama.
