Mackenzie Radicalising Inmates in Prison, Murkomen Warns After 200-Year Sentence

Convicted Shakahola cult leader Paul Mackenzie is trying to spread his extremist ideology to fellow inmates, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has warned.

Speaking in Kakamega County on Sunday, Murkomen revealed that security agencies have received intelligence reports showing the preacher is attempting to radicalise prisoners serving time alongside him. He said the government will isolate Mackenzie within correctional facilities to stop him from influencing other inmates.

The warning comes two days after the High Court in Mombasa sentenced the founder of Good News International Ministries to 200 years in prison for his role in the deaths of 191 people, including 190 children, in the Shakahola Forest tragedy.

Justice Diana Kavedza-Mochache handed Mackenzie consecutive 100-year terms on Friday for 183 counts of murder by starvation and eight counts involving direct homicide. Twenty-six co-accused received sentences ranging from 100 to 160 years, while two others who agreed to plea bargains were given 10-year sentences.

The court heard that Mackenzie ran an organised system of religious indoctrination, forcing followers and their children to starve themselves to death to "meet Jesus." The starvation regime was maintained through confinement, violence and intimidation, according to forensic evidence, DNA analysis, medical reports and witness testimony presented by the prosecution.

Despite the landmark sentencing, Mackenzie still faces several unresolved court cases. Separate proceedings involving manslaughter, radicalisation, terrorism-related offences and crimes against children remain ongoing, with courts set to address additional deaths and criminal activities tied to his network.

Speaking at a fundraising event at Bushiangala Church of God in Ikolomani, Murkomen praised Director of Public Prosecutions Renson Ingonga and the Judiciary for securing convictions in one of the country's most complex cases.

"I want to thank the DPP and all the other agencies that worked tirelessly to secure the successful conviction of Mackenzie and his accomplices in the Shakahola Massacre," Murkomen said.

He said the judgment showed the strength of Kenya's criminal justice system, adding that the government would take firm measures against religious extremism while respecting the constitutional right to freedom of worship.

The CS called for continued cooperation between the government and the Judiciary to tackle political violence, organized goons, and illegal drugs. He highlighted a police operation earlier in the day that led to the arrest of Ugandan and Tanzanian nationals in Kwale County with a drug consignment worth KSh 3.6 billion.

Turning to national politics, Murkomen criticised opposition leaders for focusing on ethnic mobilization. He urged politicians to stick to issue-based politics anchored on development records and called on leaders to support President William Ruto's re-election bid.

Murkomen also defended National Government Administrative Officers (NGAO) against media reports suggesting they were being politicised. He stated that administrative officers are tasked with communicating state policy under any government, past or future.

On regional security and economic development, the CS assured Kakamega residents that security agencies would protect local mining activities so residents could benefit directly from the region's mineral wealth.

The church service was attended by DPP Renson Ingonga, Western Regional Commissioner Allan Machari, local MCAs, and Members of Parliament Bernard Shinali (Ikolomani), Christopher Aseka (Khwisero), Titus Khamala (Lurambi), and Emmanuel Wangwe (Navakholo).

Beyond the prison sentences, the High Court ordered the government to provide support programmes for Shakahola survivors, including healthcare, education, and economic assistance.