Kenya: Mackenzie, 28 Co-Accused Set for Sentencing Over 191 Shakahola Deaths

Nairobi– Mombasa High Court is anticipated to sentence questionable preacher Paul Nthenge Mackenzie and 28 co-accused individuals on Friday over the deaths of 191 individuals, consisting of 190 kids, in the Shakahola massacre.
The sentencing marks a significant phase in the criminal procedures emerging from the deaths at Shakahola Forest in Kilifi County, which stunned the nation in 2023.
The 29 implicated individuals were founded guilty of 191 counts of murder on October 19, 2026, by Lady Justice Diana Kavedza after the court discovered that the prosecution had actually shown its case beyond affordable doubt. Kenya News Agency +1
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has actually advised the court to enforce the death sentence on Mackenzie, arguing that the scale and gravity of the offenses require the harshest penalty offered under the law.

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Throughout sentencing submissions, Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions Jami Yamina likewise asked the court to enforce life jail time on 27 of the co-accused, mentioning the severity of their functions and the requirement to secure the general public.

The prosecution even more proposed successive sentences if the court decreases to enforce life jail time, arguing that each of the 191 deaths represents a different murder offense. The Star +1

Among the founded guilty individuals, Enos Amanya Ngala, had actually pleaded guilty to all 191 murder counts and was founded guilty on his own plea.
The prosecution asked the court to consider his plea-bargaining contract, proposing a custodial rehab program enduring in between 24 and 30 months, based on regular evaluations.
The case developed from the discovery of mass tombs and human remains in Shakahola Forest in 2023, triggering comprehensive examinations into the deaths connected to severe fasting practices connected with Mackenzie’s spiritual mentors.

The court’s October judgment discovered that an organised system was utilized to implement fasting amongst fans, with kids amongst those targeted. Kenya News Agency +1
The sentencing is anticipated to figure out the penalty for Mackenzie and the other 28 founded guilty individuals.