In Kenya, a court has sentenced Pastor Paul Mackenzie, founder of the religious organisation Good News International Church, to 200 years’ imprisonment. He was found guilty of the murder of 191 people, including 190 children. Followers of the sect were forced to starve themselves to death, under the pretence that this would ensure their entry into paradise. The sentence was handed down on 6 November by the High Court in Mombasa.
- Kenyan pastor Paul Mackenzie has been sentenced to 200 years’ imprisonment.
- The court found him guilty of murdering 190 children and one adult.
- The cult’s followers were forced to go on a hunger strike, with the promise that they would go to heaven.
- Law enforcement officers discovered more than 400 bodies in the Shakahola Forest.
- The defence is appealing the verdict, whilst other criminal proceedings against the pastor are ongoing.
The court established the circumstances surrounding the deaths of 191 people
Judge Diana Kavedza acknowledged Mackenzie the person primarily responsible for organising the fatal hunger strike. According to the case file, the pastor persuaded his followers to leave their homes and move to the remote area of Chakama in Kilifi County, where they were to refuse food in the hope of achieving the promised spiritual salvation.
The investigation established that 183 people died of exhaustion and starvation, and eight more were killed. The court sentenced Mackenzie to two consecutive 100-year prison terms for various categories of murder.
Along with the pastor, a further 28 of his accomplices were found guilty. Among them were security guards who ensured the hunger strike was observed, and people involved in concealing the bodies of those who had died. The pastor’s assistant, Smart Mwakalama, was sentenced to 160 years’ imprisonment.
Over 400 bodies have been found in the Shakahola Forest
Mass graves were discovered in 2023 on the Chakama Ranch near the Shakahola Forest. Across an area of approximately 320 hectares, Mackenzie’s followers lived in remote settlements, virtually cut off from local communities and government institutions.
During the excavations law enforcement officers found more than 400 bodies. A significant proportion of the deceased have still not been identified due to the condition of the remains. More than 60 victims have been identified following forensic examinations and handed over to their relatives for burial.
The trial in the case of the 191 murders concluded with a guilty verdict on 19 October. The prosecution had sought the death penalty for Mackenzie, but the court imposed a lengthy prison sentence. Kenya formally retains the death penalty in its legislation, but has not carried out any such sentences since 1987.
The defence is appealing the verdict; the pastor is on trial on other charges
The defendants’ lawyers are appealing against the court’s decision, arguing that the sentences handed down effectively amount to life imprisonment. During the trial, Mackenzie denied that he had forced his supporters to go on hunger strike.
Separate proceedings are ongoing against the pastor on charges of terrorism, child abuse and torture. These relate to other incidents involving the sect and are not covered by the sentence handed down on 6 November.
The relatives of the victims also expressed their dissatisfaction with the court’s decision. One of the parents, who had lost his wife and six children, said he considered the sentence handed down to be insufficient.
