Relatives welcome convictions in Kenya’s Shakahola starvation cult case

Relatives of victims have welcomed a Kenyan court’s decision to convict self-proclaimed preacher Paul Mackenzie and 28 associates over the murder of 191 people, including 190 children.

The verdict relates to the deaths linked to Mackenzie’s church base in Shakahola Forest, near the coastal town of Malindi. Bodies were discovered in shallow graves there in 2023, and more than 400 bodies have since been uncovered.

Relatives welcome verdict

Francis Wanje, who said he lost eight family members, welcomed the ruling.

“I am happy. It’s something that I did not expect because first the case has taken so long. From 2023 up to today it’s a long period of time, almost four years now,” Wanje said.

The case has drawn national attention because of the number of victims and the circumstances described by prosecutors. They said Mackenzie encouraged followers to starve themselves in order to meet Jesus, with children allegedly targeted first.

Court finding and next steps

The court found that the church displayed features of a cult, including the isolation and domination of its members.

Renson Ingonga, Kenya’s Director of Public Prosecutions, described the convictions as a significant achievement, citing the number of charges, accused people and witnesses involved in the case.

Sentencing is expected on November 6. The court’s decision did not conclude the legal proceedings facing Mackenzie, who also has separate manslaughter and terrorism cases.

Lawrence Obonyo, Mackenzie’s defence lawyer, said his clients were disappointed by the verdict and would appeal. He also expressed confidence that the decision could be overturned.