Controversial preacher Paul Nthenge Mackenzie and 28 co-accused have been convicted of murder over the deaths of 191 people, including 190 children, in the Shakahola massacre.
The High Court delivered the verdict on Monday, October 19, 2026, bringing a major development in one of Kenya’s most shocking cases of religious extremism.
The court found that Mackenzie and his co-accused were responsible for deaths linked to an organised system of religious teachings and enforced fasting at Shakahola Forest in Kilifi County.
Mackenzie, the founder of Good News International Church, allegedly instructed his followers to starve themselves and their children in the belief that they would meet Jesus.
During the trial, the court heard evidence showing that some children were denied food, while followers who attempted to resist the fasting instructions faced restrictions.
The judge rejected the defence argument that the victims had voluntarily fasted to death, ruling that the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt.
The tragedy came to public attention in April 2023, when authorities began discovering bodies buried in shallow graves in Shakahola Forest. More than 400 bodies have since been recovered as investigations into the deaths continue.
Mackenzie and his co-accused had denied the murder charges.
The court has scheduled a mitigation hearing for October 30, before sentencing on November 6, 2026.
The case has renewed debate over the regulation of religious institutions in Kenya and the need to protect vulnerable followers from religious exploitation.
The sentencing is expected to be a major moment for the families of victims who have waited for justice since the tragedy was uncovered.
