Mackenzie, 28 Co-Accused Set for Sentencing Over 191 Shakahola Deaths
The sentencing marks a major stage in the criminal proceedings arising from the deaths at Shakahola Forest in Kilifi County, which shocked the country in 2023.
Mombasa High Court will sentence Paul Nthenge Mackenzie, 28, and 28 co-accused on November 7 in connection with the Shakahola massacre that claimed 191 lives, including 190 children in 2023. The court convicted the 29 accused of 191 counts of murder on October 19, 2026, after finding the prosecution proved their case beyond reasonable doubt.
The Kenya News Agency+1 <source 859df2ad-4e3> reports the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) urges the court to impose the death penalty on Mackenzie, citing the severity of the offences. Deputy DPP Jami Yamina requested life imprisonment for 27 co-accused, stressing the gravity of their roles and the need to protect the public.
The prosecution proposed consecutive sentences if life imprisonment is denied, arguing each of the 191 deaths constitutes a separate murder. One convicted person, Enos Amanya Ngala, pleaded guilty to all 191 counts and is eligible for a rehabilitation program for 24-30 months. The case stems from mass graves discovered in Shakahola Forest in 2023, leading to extensive investigations into the deaths resulting from extreme fasting practices associated with Mackenzie’s religious teachings.
Written by urgent.news from Capital FM Kenya's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
