Paul Mackenzie, the preacher at the center of the Shakahola massacre, has been sentenced to an aggregate of 200 years in prison after being found guilty of 191 counts of murder.
Lady Justice Diana Kavedza Mochache at the High Court delivered the sentence in Mombasa on Friday, November 6, 2026, following the court’s earlier decision to convict Mackenzie and 28 other accused persons.
The convictions were delivered on October 19, 2026, after the court found that the prosecution had presented sufficient evidence to prove the murder charges against the accused.
In her judgment, Justice Kavedza found that Mackenzie, who led Good News International Ministries, had instructed his followers to starve themselves to death in the belief that doing so would enable them to meet Jesus.
The court heard that the fasting began with children before spreading to young people, women and men. The practice resulted in the deaths of 191 people, 190 of whom were children, after discovery by the authorities in 2023 in Shakahola Forest in Kilifi County.
“Paul Mackenzie: 100 years’ imprisonment for each of the 193 counts of murder by starvation, 1 count involving an adult victim and 182 counts involving child victims, to run concurrently with one another.B, 100 years imprisonment for each of the eight counts of murder by direct homicide involving child victims to run concurrently with one another. The sentences in subparagraphs A and B shall run consecutively making an aggregate sentence of 200 years imprisonment for convict 1, Paul Mackenzi,” the ruling stated.
Before the ruling, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) had sought the death penalty for Mackenzie, citing his role in the deaths of 191 people, including 190 children. The proposals were presented by Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions Jami Yamina on November 3.
The prosecution also requested life imprisonment for 27 co-accused, arguing that the seriousness of the offenses, the number of victims and public safety warranted the sentence.
It further warned that some of the accused could remain vulnerable to radicalization and reoffending.
For one of the accused who pleaded guilty to all 191 murder counts, the prosecution proposed a custodial rehabilitation program lasting between 24 and 30 months, taking into account his plea agreement and time already spent in remand.
Also Read: Prosecutors Propose Pastor Mackenzie’s Punishment Ahead of Final Court Decision
Shakahola Massacre: Convicts Handed Jail Terms of Up to 160 Years
The High Court has handed down lengthy prison sentences to several convicts found guilty in the Shakahola massacre case, with some receiving aggregate terms of up to 160 years.
In the sentencing proceedings, the court sentenced Convict Number Two to an aggregate of 160 years’ imprisonment.
The court imposed eight years for each of the 183 counts of murder by starvation and eight years for each of the eight counts of murder by direct homicide, with the two sets of sentences running consecutively.
Convict Number Three also received an aggregate sentence of 160 years, while Convict Number Four received 140 years.
Other convicts received terms ranging from 10 to 160 years, depending on the sentences imposed for the starvation and direct homicide charges.
Convict Number Seven was handed an aggregate sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment, followed by a further three-year probation term upon completion of the custodial sentence.
Court Recommends Rehabilitation and Deradicalization
The court also considered recommendations from the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC) on disengagement, deradicalization, rehabilitation and reintegration for the convicts.
It recommended that eligible convicts, excluding Convict Number One, be assessed during their prison terms for appropriate rehabilitation and deradicalization interventions.
The proposed interventions are intended to help individuals disengage from extremist beliefs, reduce the risk of renewed radicalization and prepare them for possible reintegration into society.
However, the court emphasized that participation in the programs must be voluntary and based on individual assessments conducted under criteria set by the NCTC and relevant correctional authorities.
“Participation must remain voluntary and based on individual assessment under the criteria set out by the NCTC and relevant correctional authorities. The court recommends that each eligible convict, excluding convict one, Paul Mackenzi, be assessed for appropriate disengagement and Deradicalization interventions,” Justice Diana noted.
It further clarified that taking part in rehabilitation would not automatically reduce a convict’s sentence, guarantee early release or override the legal responsibilities of prison and probation authorities.
Eligible convicts may also apply to have their sentences reviewed, with certification support from the NCTC and prison authorities.
Also Read: Paul Mackenzie’s Son Reveals How He Escaped His Father’s Tricks
Court Orders Continued Support for Paul Mackenzie’s Shakahola Survivors
The court directed the government to continue supporting survivors rescued from Shakahola, including those who have since turned 18.
According to the judge, the support is expected to include psychosocial care, education, protection and assistance with community reintegration.
State agencies were also directed to facilitate educational bursaries, vocational training, university opportunities and employment placements for affected young adults and total orphans.
The court also called for the expedited issuance of national identity cards and birth certificates, along with efforts to identify remaining deceased persons and locate missing remains.
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