Mackenzie, 28 Co-Accused Found Guilty of Murdering 191 Shakahola Victims

Pastor Paul Nthenge Mackenzie and 28 co-accused have been found guilty of all 191 murder counts linked to the Shakahola tragedy in a landmark High Court ruling delivered on Monday, October 19, 2026.

Justice Diana Kavedza ruled that the prosecution had proved its case against all 29 accused persons beyond reasonable doubt, holding them responsible for the deaths of 190 children and one adult.

The verdict marks a major development in one of Kenya’s most devastating criminal cases, which came to national attention in 2023 following the discovery of mass graves in Shakahola Forest, Kilifi County.

Mackenzie, a self-proclaimed preacher, was accused of using extreme religious teachings to persuade his followers to undertake prolonged fasting in the belief that they would attain salvation and reach heaven.

The case attracted widespread condemnation and renewed scrutiny of religious practices, particularly allegations of exploitation and the vulnerability of followers who trust religious leaders.

Court Rejects Claims of Voluntary Fasting

During the trial, the court rejected the defence argument that the victims had voluntarily participated in the deadly fasting practices.

The prosecution argued that Mackenzie and his co-accused were involved in a structured system of religious radicalisation and enforced fasting that ultimately led to the deaths of their followers, including children.

In its findings, the court determined that the accused had participated in a system that directed and sustained the practices responsible for the deaths.

Prosecutors presented testimony from numerous witnesses in an effort to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths and demonstrate the individual roles played by the accused.

The conviction represents a significant milestone in the proceedings, which have drawn national and international attention because of the scale of the tragedy and the number of victims involved.

Shakahola Tragedy Exposed Hundreds of Deaths

The shocking discoveries in Shakahola Forest emerged in 2023 when authorities began exhuming bodies from shallow graves on land associated with Mackenzie’s followers.

Investigators subsequently recovered more than 400 bodies, exposing the devastating consequences of activities linked to the religious group.

The victims included children and adults who had settled in the forest after embracing Mackenzie’s teachings.

The tragedy raised serious questions about the protection of vulnerable people, the regulation of religious organisations and the responsibility of authorities to intervene when there are signs of abuse.

Investigations into other deaths connected to the wider Shakahola tragedy have continued, meaning the 191 murder counts represent only part of the criminal cases associated with the events.

Mackenzie Awaits Sentencing

Mackenzie and his 28 co-accused are expected to return to court on November 6, 2026, for sentencing following their convictions.

The ruling is a significant step towards accountability for the victims and their families, many of whom have endured years of uncertainty since the mass graves were discovered.

However, the verdict does not conclude the wider investigations into Shakahola, with other cases and allegations linked to the tragedy remaining separate from the murder proceedings.

The convictions have also renewed calls for stronger safeguards against religious exploitation and more decisive intervention by authorities when warning signs of abuse emerge.