The conviction of controversial preacher Paul Nthenge Mackenzie and his 28 co-accused of the murder of 190 children and one adult in Shakahola has marked a major milestone in the pursuit of justice for the victims of the deadly fasting regime.Forces behind Shakahola's deadly fasting regime
Shakahola verdict: Mackenzie, 30 co-accused guilty on all 191 counts of murder
The victims were members of Good News International Ministries (GNI), headed by Mackenzie, with Smart Deri Mwakalama serving as his deputy and a key logistics coordinator.Justice Diana Kavedza: The judge in Paul Mackenzie case who balances courtroom warmth with a firm hand
The radicalisation case, for instance, may raise issues concerning the interpretation of religious teachings, the methods allegedly used to influence followers and the consequences of those teachings. However, the significance of the judgment must be assessed within the applicable legal framework and the precise issues requiring determination in each proceeding.
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More importantly, the convictions on the murder charges do not automatically establish guilt on the separate charges. Each court must independently evaluate the evidence before it, apply the relevant law and determine whether the prosecution has proved the offences against each accused person to the required standard.
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Mackenzie and his wife also face charges of possessing CDs, DVDs, books and pamphlets allegedly intended to instigate terrorist acts by endangering church members. The prosecution alleges that these offences occurred at Furunzi in Malindi on various dates between 2020 and 2023.
Justice Diana Kavedza delivers her verdict on the Shakahola mass deaths at the Mombasa Law Courts on October 19, 2026.
Photo credit: Kevin Odit | Nation Media Group
Shakahola verdict: Murder in God's name
The prosecution has also brought 23 alternative counts of ordinary murder against the six accused over the same deaths.
Pastor Paul Mackenzie (in stripped t-shirt) with his co-accused persons at the Mombasa Law Courts on October 19, 2026 after they were found them guilty in 191 counts of murder in the Shakahola case.
Photo credit: Kevin Odit | Nation Media Group
