A self-proclaimed Kenyan preacher and his associates were found guilty on Monday of murdering 190 children and one adult in connection with a notorious starvation cult.
Since 2023, authorities have uncovered hundreds of bodies at the cult’s compound, located inland from the coastal resort town of Malindi, in what became known as the “Shakahola Forest Massacre.
Paul Mackenzie, the cult leader, was accused of inciting his followers to starve themselves to death in order to “meet Jesus.” He remained expressionless in the open-air Mombasa courtroom as he and 28 co-defendants were convicted of murder.
I am satisfied that the prosecution has proved the case against all 29 accused persons for the murder of 190 children and one adult, said Judge Diana Kavedza Mochache.
Kenya’s director of public prosecutions hailed the “momentous” verdict. “Securing a conviction on so many counts is no small feat,” said Director Renson Ingonga.
The grisly discovery of mass graves began three years ago, and the death toll has since risen to well over 400, including children, women, and men. Mackenzie also faces separate charges of manslaughter and terrorism, which he denies.
Few families of the victims were able to attend the trial, as many lived in remote coastal communities. Among those present was Francis Wanje, 62, who lost eight relatives in Shakahola, including his daughter and two grandchildren. “I am happy with the verdict, but the pain remains very heavy,” he said, placing a hand over his heart. “I know my loved ones won’t come back, but at least something has been done,” he added, expressing surprise at the verdict after years of waiting and government inaction.
The case has prompted calls in Kenya for stricter regulation of religious organizations, especially after it emerged that Mackenzie had previously been arrested twice and released. His estranged son, Dan, 24, expressed relief at the verdict: “Justice has happened to the victims,” he said.
During the lengthy proceedings, Judge Mochache meticulously reviewed the charges. Prosecutors alleged that Mackenzie orchestrated extreme fasting at his 800-acre ranch, enforcing a “structured hierarchy of death” in which children were to die first, followed by teenagers, women, and ultimately men. Starvation was confirmed as the cause of death in 72 cases, while additional victims died from asphyxia, neck compression, and head injuries. For 110 other victims, severe decomposition prevented precise determination of cause of death, but the court ruled that circumstantial evidence strongly suggested starvation.
The court concluded that Mackenzie’s church operated as a cult, radicalizing members through isolation, domination, and the severing of family ties—even leading mothers to starve their own children. “That, in my final analysis, is the evil of radicalization,” Judge Mochache said. “What was once unthinkable becomes an act of obedience, and what was instinctive becomes sin.”
Mackenzie’s defense lawyer, Lawrence Obonyo, described the verdict as “perplexing” and said his clients were “surprised and disappointed.” He announced plans to appeal, expressing confidence that the decision would be overturned. Sentencing is scheduled for November 6.
Mackenzie was first arrested in April 2023 after a tip-off by a rights group led authorities to the cult compound, where police discovered hundreds of shallow graves, overwhelming local morgues. By 2024, Kenya’s national human rights commission reported a death toll of 429, with some victims still unidentified. In January, Mackenzie faced additional charges after 52 more bodies were found in a nearby village.
A history of extremism and repeated brushes with the law preceded the tragedy. Mackenzie founded the Good News International Church in 2003, establishing branches in Nairobi and along the coast and attracting thousands of followers. Although he claimed to have closed the church in 2019, he continued his activities. He was previously arrested in 2017 on radicalization charges but was acquitted, and again in 2019 in connection with two child deaths at Shakahola, but was released on bail.
