Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Renson Ingonga has welcomed the conviction of self-proclaimed pastor Paul Nthenge Mackenzie and 28 co-accused over the murder of 191 people, including 190 children, in the Shakahola massacre in Kilifi County.
In a statement following the judgment, Ingonga described the convictions as a significant step towards securing justice for the victims and their families, expressing confidence that the outcome would advance accountability for one of the worst tragedies in Kenya’s history.
In a judgment delivered on Monday, October 19, 2026, the High Court in Malindi, presided over by Justice Diana Kavedza, found the accused persons guilty of the murder charges arising from the deaths of followers subjected to an organised system of religious radicalisation and enforced fasting.
The court heard harrowing accounts from child survivors who testified that they were denied food and water despite supplies being available. Others recounted watching their siblings die from starvation, exposing the devastating impact of the practices associated with Mackenzie’s teachings.
The judgment also detailed how burial ceremonies were allegedly disguised as celebrations, with the gatherings referred to as “harusi”, the Swahili word for weddings. Deceased followers were reportedly celebrated as “shujaa wa imani”, meaning heroes of faith.
According to the court, Mackenzie presided over some of the burials, while graves were subsequently flattened and concealed to prevent the discovery of bodies.
Forensic evidence presented during the trial established starvation as the cause of death in 72 cases. Other victims died from asphyxia, manual neck compression and traumatic head injuries.
In 110 cases, however, the cause of death could not be established because of advanced decomposition, according to the judgment.
The proceedings initially involved 31 accused persons, but two died during the trial. Another accused, Enos Amanya Ngala, pleaded guilty to all 191 murder counts and is awaiting sentencing.
The remaining 28 accused persons, including Mackenzie, were convicted following the trial and are expected to be sentenced on November 6, 2026.
Ingonga commended the prosecution team for its dedication and professionalism in presenting the case, recognising Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions Peter Kiprop, who heads the Coast Region, and Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions Jami Yamina.
He also acknowledged Senior Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Victor Owiti, Assistant Directors of Public Prosecutions Ngina Mutua and Betty Rubia, as well as Prosecution Counsel Yassir Mohammed, for their roles in securing the convictions.
The DPP further thanked the Judiciary, investigators, the media and members of the public for their respective contributions to the pursuit of accountability.
He reaffirmed the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions’ commitment to evidence-based prosecutions and ensuring that individuals responsible for serious crimes are held accountable in accordance with the law.
The Shakahola tragedy came to national attention in 2023 following the discovery of mass graves and human remains in the Shakahola forest area of Kilifi County. Investigations exposed the devastating consequences of extremist religious teachings linked to claims of spiritual salvation through prolonged fasting.
Mackenzie, who led the Good News International Church, has faced multiple legal proceedings connected to the deaths and alleged radicalisation of his followers.
The case sparked national outrage and renewed scrutiny of religious institutions, the regulation of religious organisations and the protection of vulnerable followers. It also raised questions about how authorities can identify warning signs of religious extremism and intervene to prevent similar tragedies.
The convictions mark a significant development in the pursuit of justice for the victims and their families, with the court expected to deliver its sentence on November 6, 2026.
