Paul Mackenzie to Face 52 More Murder Charges, State Says He Directed Kwa Bi Nzaro Deaths from Jail
Controversial televangelist Paul Mackenzie is set to face 52 additional murder charges after investigators linked him to a second wave of cult-related deaths at Kwa Bi Nzaro Forest in Kilifi County, even as he remained in custody over the Shakahola tragedy.
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) told the Malindi Law Courts on Friday, January 23, that it had concluded a comprehensive review of evidence connecting Mackenzie and six alleged accomplices to the deaths at Kwa Bi Nzaro, a site believed to have been activated after scrutiny intensified at Shakahola.
Kwa Bi Nzaro, located within Chakama Ranch and several kilometres from the original Shakahola forest, emerged as a secondary killing ground linked to remnants of Mackenzie’s outlawed Good News International (GNI) church. More than 450 people died in Shakahola in 2023, marking one of the deadliest cult-related disasters in Kenya’s history.
During the court session, Mackenzie was not formally charged as he was not presented before the court due to the absence of a production order. However, prosecutors made it clear that the charges were ready.
“We have analysed the evidence, all the suspects will face charges. One of the suspects we intend to charge is not before the court today, but we expect to charge them together. He is currently being held at Shimo La Tewa Prison,” the prosecution told the court.
Investigators said the Kwa Bi Nzaro deaths were not isolated but formed part of a deliberate continuation of the fasting-to-death doctrine associated with Mackenzie’s teachings. Detectives believe the second site was activated as an alternative base after law enforcement pressure mounted at Shakahola, pointing to an organised and adaptive network.
According to court filings, the confirmed death toll at Kwa Bi Nzaro stands at 52 following the completion of a forensic association exercise. Experts analysed 102 mixed human remains recovered during exhumations and positively identified 18 additional victims beyond the 32 bodies initially exhumed in August.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) told the court that forensic findings, supported by protected witness testimonies, had firmly linked the Kwa Bi Nzaro operation to Mackenzie. Evidence presented includes call data records, mobile money transactions, and corroborated accounts from accomplice witnesses.
Investigators allege that suspects Sharleen Temba Anido, Kahindi Kazungu Garama, Thomas Mukonwe and James Kahindi Kazungu travelled across several counties mobilising former GNI followers. The group allegedly lured victims from Kilifi, Busia, Siaya, Migori, Homa Bay and Kisii counties and directed them to Kwa Bi Nzaro under the pretext of attending “prayers,” a coded reference to enforced fasting.
Police believe more than 40 adherents were confined at a remote homestead in Kwa Bi Nzaro, where they were starved under the belief that death would lead to spiritual ascension.
Crucially, investigators allege that Mackenzie continued to exert control over the group despite being held at Shimo La Tewa Maximum Security Prison. Court documents indicate that he coordinated meetings, issued instructions via phone calls and addressed followers virtually.
“He continued to direct followers to travel to Malindi and fast until death so that they could meet Jesus,” investigators stated in their filings.
The revelations come as the Shakahola case enters a critical phase. In a related development, Mackenzie’s co-accused Enos Amanya, also known as Hallelujah, recently pleaded guilty to 191 murder charges before the High Court in Mombasa.
Prosecutors said the plea strengthened the case against the broader network behind the cult deaths. “The admission exposes how the accused worked together to enforce extreme teachings that resulted in mass fatalities,” the State said.
As investigations continue, authorities say more charges could follow as they piece together the full extent of the cult’s operations.
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Paul Mackenzie to Face 52 More Murder Charges, State Says He Directed Kwa Bi Nzaro Deaths from Jail
