Kenya: Pastor Paul Mackenzie Sentenced to 200 Years in Prison Over 191 Deaths

The High Court in Mombasa sentenced Paul Nthenge Mackenzie to 200 years in prison for the murders of 191 people, including 190 children, in the Shakahola forest case. Justice Diana Kavedza Mochache imposed two consecutive 100-year terms after Mackenzie and 28 other defendants were found guilty on October 19. Investigators found that the founder of the Good News International Church had persuaded followers to fast to reach paradise, and that some were subjected to violence when they tried to escape. His lawyer said he would appeal; more than 400 bodies had been exhumed at Shakahola since the case came to light in April 2023.