Paul Mackenzie: Shakahola cult leader continued doomsday teachings even behind bars

Controversial preacher Paul Mackenzie, convicted for various counts of murder, continued to spread his doomsday gospel even while in prison. According to court testimony, Mackenzie used mobile phones and SIM cards registered in other people's names to communicate with his co-accused and followers. This has raised concerns about the ease with which prisoners can access unauthorized communication devices.

The Mombasa High Court heard that Mackenzie used mobile numbers registered to fellow convicts to instruct them to maintain the doomsday teachings and encourage followers in Kwa Binzaro, Kilifi county, to fast, resulting in deaths. Prosecutors presented evidence that one of the SIM cards linked to the case was registered in the name of an inmate serving a 50-year sentence at Shimo La Tewa Maximum Security Prison in Mombasa.

The inmate, who admitted retaining SIM cards in custody, denied using them to make calls or conduct mobile money transactions. He claimed to have registered five mobile numbers in his name to boost his credit portfolio and access mobile loans. However, prison officers recovered two Bibles containing handwritten papers bearing names and telephone contacts, and one of the SIM cards was found to have been used to transfer money to Mackenzie.

Further searches revealed that unauthorized phones and SIM cards were circulating among inmates, despite prison regulations barring possession of handsets and SIM cards. Prison officers conducted multiple searches, recovering mobile phones, SIM cards, plastic containers, boxes, nails, and ropes from different cells. These findings suggest a significant breach of prison security.

On September 20, 2025, a prison officer and Directorate of Criminal Investigations officers searched Mackenzie's cell, recovering a notebook, handwritten notes, and a Bible. The notebook contained telephone numbers and identification details recorded under the name of a prosecution witness who testified virtually from Kisumu. This evidence suggests that Mackenzie continued to preach his controversial gospel and influence followers even while in custody.

Mackenzie was convicted on October 19, alongside 28 co-accused persons, in connection with the Shakahola massacre, in which 191 people, including 190 children, died. The court heard that Mackenzie's teachings led to the deaths of his followers, who were encouraged to fast. The case has raised concerns about the influence of cult leaders and the need for greater oversight of prison security.

The case against Mackenzie and his co-accused is ongoing, with sentencing yet to be determined. The court will consider the evidence presented, including the use of unauthorized communication devices by Mackenzie while in prison.

Key points

• Paul Mackenzie used smuggled phones and SIM cards to continue his doomsday teachings from prison.
• The Shakahola massacre resulted in the deaths of 191 people, including 190 children.
• Prison officers recovered unauthorized communication devices and other prohibited items from Mackenzie's cell and other cells.