Thursday, November 5, 2026 - A Kenyan father, Stephen Mwiti, is facing painful memories as the country prepares for the sentencing of controversial preacher Paul Mackenzie on Friday, November 6, 2026.
Mwiti says he lost all six of his children in the Shakahola tragedy after they were taken to the forest in 2022. The heartbreaking case has once again drawn national attention to the devastating consequences of extremist religious teachings and the need to protect vulnerable families.
Mackenzie and 28 co-accused were convicted last month of murdering 190 children and one adult. Prosecutors told the court that followers were instructed to starve themselves and their children in the belief that they would reach heaven.
More than 400 bodies have been recovered from the Shakahola area, but authorities have identified only 26 victims. As sentencing approaches, surviving families remain concerned that the convicted individuals could continue spreading dangerous teachings even while behind bars.
For Mwiti, no court sentence can bring back his children or erase the pain of losing them. He hopes the justice system will ensure accountability and prevent similar tragedies from happening again.
The case also raises urgent questions about religious extremism, child protection and the responsibility of authorities to act against dangerous practices before more lives are lost. Kenya now looks to the sentencing as a critical moment for justice, accountability and stronger protection of vulnerable communities.
