Paul Nthenge Mackenzie, the founder of Good News International Church, has been handed a cumulative 200-year prison sentence for his role in the deaths of 191 people linked to his religious teachings and activities.
The sentence was issued after Mackenzie was found responsible for 183 counts of murder by starvation and eight counts of murder through direct homicide. The victims included adults and children who lost their lives in the case, which has been among Kenya’s most serious cases involving religious extremism.
According to the sentencing details, Mackenzie received 100 years in prison for each of the 183 counts of murder by starvation. The charges involved one adult victim and 182 children who died after being subjected to starvation.
He was also sentenced to 100 years in prison for each of the eight counts of murder through direct homicide. All eight victims in this category were children.
The court ordered the sentences to run consecutively, meaning they will be served one after another rather than at the same time. This brought Mackenzie’s total prison term to 200 years.
The lengthy sentence reflects the number of offences for which Mackenzie was convicted and the different circumstances surrounding the deaths of the victims. The case involved investigations into how members of the church were subjected to extreme religious teachings and practices that resulted in multiple deaths.
Mackenzie’s co-accused were also handed lengthy prison sentences for their involvement in the case. Their sentencing marked another stage in the court proceedings involving individuals accused of participating in the activities that led to the deaths.
The case attracted national and international attention because of the large number of victims, many of whom were children. Families of those who died have been seeking justice and accountability for the loss of their loved ones.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) welcomed the sentencing, describing it as a significant milestone in the pursuit of justice for the victims and their families.
In its statement, the investigative agency highlighted the role played by detailed investigations, forensic expertise and evidence-led prosecutions in bringing those responsible for serious crimes before the courts.
The DCI also pointed to the importance of gathering reliable evidence and conducting thorough investigations when handling complex criminal cases involving multiple victims.
Mackenzie’s case has raised concerns about the misuse of religion to influence followers and expose them to dangerous practices. It has also drawn attention to the need for authorities to remain alert to activities that put people’s lives at risk under the cover of religious teachings.
The 200-year sentence marks a major development in the legal proceedings against the Good News International Church founder, whose case has become closely associated with one of the deadliest religious extremism cases in Kenya.
