Court Rules Paul Mackenzie Has Case to Answer in Shakahola Mass Deaths Trial
News Updated: 15 April 2026 21:26 EAT
A Mombasa court has ruled that controversial preacher Paul Mackenzie and 30 co-accused have a case to answer in the ongoing Shakahola mass deaths trial, pushing the proceedings into a crucial defence stage.
The court found that the prosecution had established a prima facie case, determining that the evidence presented was sufficient to require the accused persons to respond to the charges levelled against them.
The accused are facing multiple counts of murder linked to the deaths of followers in the Shakahola forest in Kilifi County, in what has been described as one of the deadliest cult-related tragedies in recent history.
Investigations into the Shakahola Forest incident uncovered hundreds of bodies buried in shallow graves, with authorities linking the deaths to extreme religious teachings that allegedly encouraged prolonged fasting.
During the trial, prosecutors outlined how followers were reportedly subjected to strict control, isolation, and radical indoctrination under Mackenzie’s leadership.
In a new twist, the court heard testimony alleging that Mackenzie continued to influence and recruit followers even while in custody, raising concerns about the reach of the alleged network.
A protected witness told the court that he was introduced to Mackenzie through a phone call facilitated by his son, who was already in detention over the Shakahola case.
The witness testified that this contact led to his involvement with a group operating in Kwa Binzaro, where similar practices of control and fasting were allegedly enforced.
According to the testimony, members of the group were relocated and subjected to conditions that resulted in the deaths of several individuals, including children.
Prosecutors argued that the Kwa Binzaro activities were a continuation of the same structure and ideology linked to the Shakahola deaths, despite the arrest of key suspects.
The court noted that the prosecution had relied on multiple witnesses, including survivors and investigators
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FELIX MAKONA
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