Pastor Paul Mackenzie, the controversial preacher linked to Shakahola, and seven other individuals have been formally charged over 52 recent deaths in Kwa Binzaro, Chakama, Kilifi County.
The accused appeared in three different courts facing multiple allegations ranging from terrorism-related offences to murder.
The eight suspects face charges under the Prevention of Terrorism Act, the Penal Code, and additional murder-related counts before the High Court. They are accused of participating in organised criminal activity, two counts of radicalisation, two counts of facilitating a terrorist act, and possession of articles linked to terrorism.
The prosecution told the court that between January and July 2025, the accused were part of Good News International Ministries, a radicalised religious group operating in Kwa Binzaro, Magarini Sub-County.
According to the state, the sect promoted extreme beliefs, preached against government authority, adopted extremist doctrines, and facilitated acts that endangered the lives of followers, resulting in at least 52 deaths.
All eight suspects pleaded not guilty before Senior Principal Magistrate Leah Juma. The matter has been scheduled for mention on March 4, 2026.
In another hearing at Mombasa Law Courts, Senior Principal Magistrate Eric Wambo recorded additional charges of manslaughter against the accused. The prosecution alleges that 29 people were killed between January and July 2025 in the same area. This case is also slated for mention on March 4, 2026.
Meanwhile, at the High Court, Mombasa Judge Wendy Kagendo arraigned the suspects on murder charges, but plea-taking did not proceed. Justice Kagendo directed that all eight undergo a mental assessment at a hospital before the court can take their pleas.
The prosecution team handling the cases includes Senior Assistant DPP Esther Macharia, Assistant DPP Jami Yamina, Principal Prosecution Counsels Victor Owiti, Betty Rubia, Rachael Amala, Alex Ndiema, and Prosecution Counsel Yassir Mohammed.
Mackenzie, who was first arrested in 2023 after 429 bodies, including children, were exhumed from mass graves in Shakahola forest, has remained in custody since his arrest.
Authorities say he allegedly lured the latest victims to their deaths through notes he wrote from prison. He has pleaded not guilty to multiple counts of manslaughter.
