Paul Mackenzie Sentenced to 200 Years for 191 Murders

Paul Mackenzie was sentenced to 200 years in prison on November 6, 2026, for 191 murders in the Shakahola case, with the terms covering deaths by starvation and direct homicide. The High Court in Mombasa imposed two consecutive 100-year terms, one for 183 deaths caused by starvation and another for eight victims killed by direct homicide. The victims were 190 children and one adult. The sentence followed Mackenzie’s conviction in October alongside 28 co-accused. The court also sentenced the co-accused to prison terms that varied; some received sentences of up to 160 years. Prosecutors had sought the death penalty for Mackenzie, but the court imposed a prison sentence. In its findings, the court said Mackenzie’s religious teachings were used to enforce fasting among followers who had moved to Shakahola Forest. It found that accomplices helped control followers and prevent them from leaving, and that children were restrained and denied food. Mackenzie had denied forcing followers to starve, saying they acted voluntarily. The court’s 191 murder convictions concern the victims in this case, not all deaths associated with Shakahola. Authorities have recovered more than 400 bodies...