A Kenyan court has sentenced Paul Mackenzie, the founder of Good News International Church, to 200 years in prison for his role in the deaths of 191 people, including 190 children. The sentencing was carried out by Judge Diana Kavedza at the Mombasa High Court on November 6, 2026. Mackenzie was found guilty of the crimes on October 19, 2026, following a trial that stemmed from the discovery of mass graves in the Shakahola forest in Kilifi County in 2023.
The court heard that Mackenzie had encouraged his followers to starve themselves to death, telling them it was a way to reach Jesus before the end of the world. The prosecution presented evidence that Mackenzie had preached about the need for his followers to fast and starve themselves in order to attain spiritual enlightenment. The judge found that Mackenzie had played a significant role in the deaths of the 191 people, including 190 children, and that his actions were a form of psychological manipulation.
In addition to the 200-year sentence, Mackenzie was also ordered to pay compensation to the families of the victims. The court heard that a total of 448 bodies had been found in the Shakahola forest, and that Mackenzie was also facing charges related to the deaths of a further 52 people. The investigation into the mass graves revealed that Mackenzie's followers had been subjected to extreme physical and psychological abuse.
Mackenzie's co-defendants, including Smart Mwakalama, were also sentenced to prison terms ranging from 160 years. A total of 28 people were convicted of various crimes related to the deaths of the 191 people. The Kenyan authorities have been working to bring those responsible for the deaths to justice, and the sentencing of Mackenzie and his co-defendants marks a significant step towards accountability.
The case has raised concerns about the regulation of religious groups in Kenya and the need for greater oversight of their activities. The Kenyan government has faced criticism for its handling of the crisis, and the case has highlighted the need for greater action to prevent similar tragedies in the future. The court heard that Mackenzie's actions were a gross violation of human rights.
Human rights groups have welcomed the sentencing, saying it sends a strong message that those who commit such atrocities will be held accountable. The case has also raised questions about the role of faith and spirituality in Kenyan society, and the need for greater critical thinking and skepticism when it comes to claims made by religious leaders.
The Kenyan authorities have confirmed that Mackenzie will not face the death penalty, as Kenya has not executed anyone since 1987. The country has a long-standing moratorium on the death penalty, and it is unlikely that Mackenzie will ever be released from prison. The case will continue to have significant implications for Kenyan society and the regulation of religious groups.
Key points
- Mackenzie was sentenced to 100 years for causing the deaths through starvation and another 100 years for directly causing the deaths of eight people.
