- The convictions relate to the deaths of 190 children in the Shakahola massacre in Kilifi County.
Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Renson Ingonga has welcomed the conviction of self-proclaimed pastor Paul Nthenge Mackenzie and 28 co-accused on 191 counts of murder arising from the Shakahola massacre in Kilifi County.
The convictions relate to the deaths of 190 children and one adult in one of the worst tragedies in Kenya’s history, linked to religious radicalisation and extreme fasting practices.
In a judgment delivered on Monday, October 19, 2026, the High Court in Mombasa, presided over by Justice Diana Kavedza, found that the prosecution had proved its case against all 29 accused persons beyond reasonable doubt.
The court found Mackenzie and his co-accused guilty of the murder charges arising from the deaths of their followers at Shakahola, where the victims were subjected to an organised system of religious radicalisation and enforced fasting.
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 the deaths.
The DPP commended the prosecution team for its dedication and professionalism in presenting the case, recognising the work of 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 the prosecution.
Ingonga further thanked the Judiciary, investigators, the media and members of the public for their respective contributions to the pursuit of justice.
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 case emerged following the discovery of mass graves and human remains in the Shakahola forest area of Kilifi County in 2023. Investigations exposed the devastating consequences of extremist religious teachings associated with fasting and claims of spiritual salvation.
Mackenzie, who led the Good News International Church, has faced multiple legal proceedings linked to the deaths and alleged radicalisation of his followers.
The latest convictions mark a significant development in the criminal proceedings arising from the tragedy, which sparked national outrage and renewed scrutiny of religious institutions, the regulation of religious organisations and the protection of vulnerable followers.
The case has also drawn attention to the role of law enforcement and other public institutions in identifying and responding to warning signs of religious extremism and preventing similar tragedies.DPP welcomes convictions of Mackenzie, 28 others over Shakahola massacre
The DPP’s office says it remains committed to pursuing justice through lawful and evidence-based prosecutions, with the convictions underscoring the importance of accountability for serious crimes and justice for victims and their families.
Of the original 31 accused persons, two died during the proceedings, while another, Enos Amanya Ngala, pleaded guilty to all 191 murder counts and awaits sentencing.
The remaining 28 accused persons, including Mackenzie, were convicted following the trial and are expected to be sentenced on November 6, 2026.