NAIROBI, Kenya – Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has announced plans to isolate convicted Shakahola preacher Paul Mackenzie from other prisoners, citing concerns that he could continue spreading extremist religious teachings while serving his 200-year prison sentence.
Murkomen said the government would provide a secluded area to hold Mackenzie, limiting opportunities for him to influence inmates or recruit followers within correctional facilities.
Speaking during a church service in Ikolomani Constituency, Kakamega County, on Sunday, November 8, the CS said authorities were determined to prevent a repeat of the radicalisation associated with Mackenzie’s religious activities.
“We will provide a secluded area to hold him to make sure that there will be no radicalisation again by the type of Mackenzie’s in this country,” Murkomen said.
His announcement followed reports that Mackenzie had allegedly attempted to influence police officers and fellow detainees through his religious teachings while in custody.
The government did not provide details of the proposed facility or specify when the separate custody arrangement would take effect.
Why Government Wants Mackenzie Separated From Other Prisoners
The proposed arrangement is intended to restrict Mackenzie’s interaction with other inmates and reduce the risk of further radicalisation within correctional facilities.
Authorities are concerned that his influence could extend beyond the followers who were involved in the Shakahola tragedy, particularly if he gains access to vulnerable prisoners.
Murkomen’s announcement signals that the government intends to treat the preacher’s continued influence as a security concern even after his conviction.
However, separate custody does not in itself mean that a prisoner loses the legal protections and rights provided under Kenyan law.
Mackenzie Sentenced to 200 Years Over 191 Murders
The announcement came two days after the High Court in Mombasa sentenced Mackenzie to a total of 200 years in prison for the murder of 191 people, including 190 children and one adult, in the Shakahola massacre.
Justice Diana Kavedza imposed a 100-year sentence for 183 counts of murder by starvation and another 100 years for eight counts involving direct homicide.
The court ordered the two sets of sentences to run consecutively, resulting in an aggregate prison term of 200 years.
The judge found that Mackenzie had directed followers of Good News International Church to fast to death, with children among the first victims targeted by the deadly teachings.
Twenty-eight co-accused were also sentenced to prison terms ranging from 10 to 160 years, depending on their roles in the crimes.
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions had sought the death penalty for Mackenzie, but the court instead imposed the lengthy custodial sentence. His defence team indicated plans to challenge the judgment.
Murkomen Praises DCI, ODPP and Judiciary
During his remarks, Murkomen credited the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) and the Judiciary for their roles in investigating, prosecuting and determining the Shakahola case.
He pledged continued government support for the institutions, saying authorities would work with the Judiciary to strengthen efforts aimed at protecting Kenyans.
The CS also warned that the government would take firm action against religious organisations found promoting extremism and radicalisation.
The Shakahola tragedy exposed serious concerns about the monitoring of religious organisations and the ability of security agencies and local administrators to respond to warning signs of dangerous religious practices.
More than 400 bodies were ultimately recovered from the Shakahola area, making the tragedy one of Kenya’s deadliest cases linked to religious extremism.
Kilifi Residents Demand Accountability From Local Administrators
Meanwhile, residents of Kilifi County have called for investigations into the conduct of chiefs and assistant chiefs accused of failing to report warning signs surrounding Mackenzie’s activities.
The residents questioned how followers were able to relocate to the vast Chakama Ranch and establish their activities without earlier intervention from local security and administrative structures.
They argue that unusual movements, school dropouts and the alleged indoctrination of followers should have prompted reports to relevant authorities.
