Pastor Paul Nthenge Mackenzie and 29 of his followers have been found guilty of murdering 191 people, including 190 children, in the Shakahola massacre.
The Mombasa High Court delivered the verdict on Monday, October 19, 2026, more than three years after the discovery of mass graves in Shakahola Forest, Kilifi County.
Justice Diana Kavedza-Mochache ruled that Mackenzie, the leader of Good News International Church, and his co-accused were responsible for the deaths linked to a religious group whose members were instructed to starve themselves to reach heaven.
The court heard that children were targeted first, with some isolated and denied food while their parents watched. Guards were also deployed to prevent followers from escaping or breaking the fasting rules.
In her judgment, the judge described how the group’s teachings discouraged members from seeking medical treatment and taking their children to school.
Mackenzie and his co-accused had denied the murder charges, maintaining that followers were not forced to starve themselves. The court rejected their defence.
The case began after police received information about suspected deaths in Shakahola in 2023. Subsequent investigations led to the discovery of hundreds of bodies buried in shallow graves in the forest.
Authorities have recovered more than 400 bodies from the area, although Monday’s judgment covered 191 deaths. Investigations into other deaths have continued separately.
The tragedy sparked national outrage and raised questions about how Mackenzie’s activities continued despite earlier encounters with law enforcement.
The preacher had previously been arrested over his teachings and his church was shut down in 2019. He later moved his operations to the Shakahola area.
The case also renewed calls for stronger oversight of religious organisations while raising concerns about the protection of children and vulnerable followers.
Mackenzie and his co-accused are expected to return to court on November 6, 2026, for sentencing following their convictions.