Kenya’s High Court in Mombasa sentenced Good News International Church leader Pastor Paul Mackenzie to 200 years on Nov. 6, 2026, for murdering 190 children and one adult. Justice Diana Kavedza said he bore primary criminal culpability for relocating followers and ordering them to fast to meet Jesus; his lawyer said he would appeal.
WHO:
Pastor Paul Mackenzie
WHAT:
The High Court in Mombasa sentenced Mackenzie to 200 years in prison for murdering 191 people. He was convicted in October alongside 28 co-accused of murders in Kenya between January 2021 and September 2023; the sentence comprises 100 years for 183 murders by starvation and 100 years for eight murders by direct homicide. Justice Diana Kavedza said Mackenzie bore “primary criminal culpability” for relocating followers and ordering them to fast to death. His lawyer said he would appeal. Families fear he may continue spreading his message from prison; Stephen Mwiti lost all six of his children. Paul Nthenge Mackenzie and 28 co-accused were convicted last month of murdering 191 people, including 190 children and one adult, in Kenya between January 2021 and September 2023.
WHEN:
Reported Nov 6, 2026 at 9:53 AM ET
WHERE:
Mombasa, Kenya
WHY:
Mackenzie ordered followers to starve themselves to death to meet Jesus. Justice Diana Kavedza said he bore primary criminal culpability for relocating them and ordering them to fast. The sentence concerned the deaths of 191 people in the Shakahola massacre.
Reporting from 16 identified publishers across this event arc.
