Controversial preacher Paul Nthenge Mackenzie has been sentenced to 200 years in prison over the deaths of 191 people, including 190 children, in the Shakahola massacre.
High Court Judge Diana Kavedza Mochache handed down the sentence at the Mombasa Law Courts on Friday, November 6, 2026, following Mackenzie's conviction on 191 counts of murder.
The sentence comprises 100 years for murder by starvation and another 100 years for direct homicide.
Mackenzie, who founded Good News International Ministries, was found guilty alongside 28 co-accused on October 19, after the court established that they were responsible for the deaths linked to the religious group’s activities in Shakahola Forest, Kilifi County.
## How Mackenzie orchestrated the Shakahola deaths
In her judgment, Justice Kavedza found that Mackenzie had instructed his followers to fast to death in the belief that they would meet Jesus before the end of the world.
The court established that the practice began with children before extending to young people, women and men.
Those who resisted the teachings were subjected to intimidation, beatings and confinement to ensure compliance.
The judge rejected the defence's argument that followers had voluntarily chosen to fast, finding that the deaths resulted from an organised system of religious indoctrination and coercion.
Mackenzie had denied forcing his followers to starve themselves, but the court found the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt.
## 429 bodies recovered from Shakahola Forest
The Shakahola tragedy came to national attention in April 2023 when investigators began uncovering mass graves in the forest.
Authorities eventually recovered 429 bodies from the area during the 2023 investigations, with the 191 deaths forming the subject of the murder trial.
The case involved 190 children and one adult, making it one of Kenya's most disturbing criminal cases.
Investigators conducted extensive forensic examinations to establish the identities of victims and determine the circumstances surrounding their deaths.
The trial heard evidence from 120 prosecution witnesses and nine defence witnesses.
## Mackenzie faces separate court cases
Despite the latest sentence, Mackenzie continues to face other legal proceedings connected to the Shakahola tragedy.
The preacher has been linked to separate cases involving terrorism, manslaughter and other alleged offences, which he has denied.
The Shakahola case has also sparked national debate about religious extremism, the protection of children and the need for stronger oversight of religious organisations.
The sentencing marks a significant development in the prosecution of those held responsible for the deaths at Shakahola.
