Shakahola Massacre: Mackenzie, Co-Accused Await Fate as Judge Reads Judgement

Self-proclaimed preacher Paul Mackenzie and his co-accused appeared before the Mombasa High Court on Monday as the court delivered its judgment in the Shakahola massacre murder case.

Mackenzie and 29 other co-accused face 191 counts of murder linked to the deaths of over 190 children and adults where the prosecution alleges that the victims were subjected to starvation in the belief that they would go to heaven and meet Jesus.

First Accused Paul Nthenge Mackenzie during his appearance in court for judgement regarding Shakahola case on October 19,2026.photo/X

The case follows the discovery of mass graves in Shakahola Forest, Kilifi County, in 2023, which triggered investigations into the activities of Mackenzie's Good News International Ministries.

During the proceedings, the court examined evidence concerning the church's operations and teachings that prosecutors say contributed to the deaths of Mackenzie's followers.

Justice Diana Kavedza described the church as a cult, citing evidence presented during the trial concerning the isolation of followers, restrictions affecting children, and the discouragement of education and medical treatment.

The court also heard evidence that followers were encouraged to fast until death in the belief that they would meet Jesus, with children among those allegedly affected by the teachings.

Mackenzie and his co-accused denied the murder charges when they were arraigned in court.

The prosecution presented evidence from witnesses, including survivors, relatives of victims, investigators and experts. 

The court also considered postmortem reports and other exhibits as it evaluated the case against the accused.

On April 15, 2026, the court ruled that the prosecution had established a case requiring Mackenzie and his co-accused to present their defence.

The ruling followed the prosecution's presentation of evidence linking the accused to alleged activities within the Shakahola settlement.

The Shakahola tragedy came to national attention in 2023 after reports emerged that followers of Mackenzie's religious movement were starving in the forest. 

Subsequent investigations and exhumations uncovered hundreds of bodies, making the case one of Kenya's most significant and disturbing criminal investigations.

The judgment marks a major stage in the proceedings as the court determines the criminal responsibility of the accused based on the evidence presented by the prosecution and the defence.