Kenyan Preacher Sentenced to 200 Years Over Shakahola Massacre

A Kenyan High Court has sentenced preacher Paul Nthenge Mackenzie to 200 years in prison for his role in the deaths of 191 people, including 190 children, in the Shakahola massacre. The court found that he directed followers to fast until they died, and that some who resisted were beaten or restrained. Eight victims were killed through violence, while the others died from starvation, according to evidence presented at trial. Mackenzie and 28 other defendants were convicted of murder. His assistant pastor, Smart Mwakalama, received a 160-year sentence, while other defendants received varying prison terms. More than 400 bodies have been recovered from the wider Shakahola area since the tragedy came to light in 2023. Mackenzie denied forcing followers to starve, and his lawyer says an appeal has been initiated. Separate proceedings involving other allegations, including terrorism and manslaughter, remain pending.

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