Mackenzie, 28 others convicted over Shakahola massacre that killed 191 people

Paul Nthenge Mackenzie, the controversial preacher, and 28 co-accused have been found guilty of the Shakahola massacre that resulted in the deaths of 191 people, including 190 children, according to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) in Mombasa High Court. Lady Justice Diana Kavedza delivered the judgment, convicting all 29 accused of the 191 murder charges.

The court found that the deaths were caused by an organized system that used religious teachings, a structured hierarchy, and coordinated enforcement to direct followers to fast to death. Mackenzie's followers were whipped into a frenzy, instructed to relocate, and then directed to fast once at the settlement. The practice started with children and was enforced through guards restricting movement and preventing followers from escaping.

The Good News International Church, established by Mackenzie in 2010, was found to have operated as a cult, promoting fasting as a path to heaven while discouraging modern medicine and formal education. Evidence from 123 witnesses, including child victims and adult accomplices, supported the prosecution's case through digital recordings, social media content, medical and forensic reports, and physical exhibits.

The convictions represent a significant step in prosecuting religious extremism in Kenya, highlighting the importance of testimonial, medical, digital, and forensic evidence in such complex mass-death investigations.