Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has petitioned the High Court in Mombasa to sentence preacher Mackenzie to death over the murder of 191 people in the Shakahola massacre, with 190 of the victims being minors.
Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions Jami Yamina said during sentencing submissions that death penalty was justified due to the nature and magnitude of the crimes.
The prosecution had also demanded that the 27 remaining convicts to be awarded life imprisonment, saying that the sentences should be a deterrent and result in the protection of the society.
Mackenzie and 28 others faced 191 charges of murder related to deaths, which occurred at Shakahola Forest in Malindi, Kilifi County from January 2021 to September 2023.
Yamina pointed out that the other convicts had been brainwashed by Mackenzie and could revert to reoffending. He wanted the court to look at their personal accountability and how likely they are to turn over a new leaf.
The DPP recommended consecutive sentences if the court chose not to impose life imprisonment, emphasizing that each death represented a distinct murder offence.
Enos Amanya Ngala, who admitted to all 191 counts, is recommended by the prosecution to undergo a custodial rehabilitation programme of between 24 to 30 months and submit to periodical progress reviews.
Justice Kavedza will pronounce sentencing on the 29 accused on November 6, 2026.