By Mwalimu Anthony K. Koech | Digital Times Cloud News November 6, 2026

Kenyan preacher Paul Nthenge Mackenzie has been sentenced to 200 years in prison for his role in the deaths of 191 people, including 190 children, in the Shakahola Forest tragedy in Kilifi County.

The sentence was delivered on Friday, November 6, 2026, by the Mombasa High Court, presided over by Justice Diana Kavedza-Mochache, following Mackenzie's conviction for murder.

The court imposed two separate 100-year prison terms, covering murders committed through starvation and direct homicide. The sentences were ordered to run consecutively, resulting in an aggregate prison term of 200 years.

Mackenzie, the founder of Good News International Church, was accused of orchestrating a religious movement that encouraged followers to undertake extreme fasting in the belief that they would attain salvation and meet Jesus Christ. The case has become one of Kenya's most disturbing tragedies, raising serious concerns about religious extremism, child protection, and accountability within religious institutions.

How the Shakahola Massacre Unfolded

The Shakahola tragedy came to national attention in April 2023 when authorities began uncovering bodies in shallow graves in Shakahola Forest, near Malindi in Kilifi County.

Investigations established that Mackenzie had encouraged his followers to relocate to the forest, where they were subjected to extreme religious teachings centred on fasting and preparation for the predicted end of the world. According to court findings, the victims were subjected to an organised system of fasting, with children among those targeted first. Other individuals enforced these instructions through strict surveillance, intimidation, and violence.

The murder case involved 191 victims. Court findings established that 183 people died through forced starvation, while eight children were victims of direct homicide. The tragedy exposed how religious teachings could be manipulated to control vulnerable followers and deny them access to essential services, including healthcare and education.

Breakdown of the 200-Year Judicial Ruling

In delivering the sentence, Justice Diana Kavedza-Mochache imposed two separate 100-year prison terms to reflect the distinct categories of murder established during the trial.

• Murder by Starvation: A 100-year sentence covering the 183 deaths attributed to systematic starvation.
• Direct Homicide: A 100-year sentence relating to eight child victims of direct homicide.

The court directed that the two terms run consecutively, resulting in an aggregate sentence of 200 years. While the prosecution had sought the death penalty, the judge opted for lengthy custodial terms instead.

Mackenzie had denied responsibility for the deaths, but the court rejected his defense following the prosecution's presentation of forensic evidence and witness testimony. Twenty-eight co-accused were also convicted and handed lengthy prison sentences for their respective roles, including Mackenzie's deputy, Smart Mwakalama, who received a 160-year sentence.

Wider Impact and National Call for Religious Oversight

Although this specific trial covered 191 deaths, the wider Shakahola tragedy involved more than 400 bodies recovered from the forest and surrounding areas. Mackenzie continues to face separate legal proceedings relating to other alleged offences connected to the overall death toll.

The ruling marks a critical milestone for judicial accountability in Kenya. Beyond the courtroom, it has reignited urgent national debates regarding:

• Legal Oversight: The balance between constitutional freedoms of worship and state regulation of religious organizations to prevent predatory practices.
• Child Rights & Protection: State responsibilities regarding early warnings, missing-person reports, and protecting minors from institutional abuse.

For the families who lost their loved ones, the ruling represents an essential step toward justice—serving as a stark national reminder of the devastating consequences of unchecked religious manipulation.