“Am Happy Now” Meet Pastor Mackenzie’s Son Who has Showed His Satisfaction After Father’s Conviction

Paul Mackenzie’s Son Dan Says Father’s Conviction Brings Relief After Shakahola Tragedy

Dan Mackenzie, the eldest son of controversial preacher Paul Nthenge Mackenzie, has expressed relief following his father’s conviction over the deaths of hundreds of followers linked to the Shakahola tragedy in Kenya.

Dan, 24, reportedly welcomed the verdict delivered by the Mombasa High Court on October 19, 2026, describing the outcome as a relief for the families who lost loved ones in the tragedy.

Paul Mackenzie and 28 co-accused were found guilty on 191 murder counts involving 190 children and one adult. The case relates to the deaths associated with the preacher’s religious activities in the Shakahola forest in Kilifi County.

Speaking after the ruling, Dan said he was not saddened by his father’s conviction because he had not participated in the crimes. He reportedly expressed sympathy for the victims and their families, who have endured years of uncertainty and grief.

Dan also shared details of his difficult childhood and his strained relationship with his father. According to reports, he was introduced to strict religious practices at a young age but resisted some of the teachings and expectations imposed on him.

He recalled an incident in which he was allegedly beaten by church members for nearly three hours after refusing to attend a church service. He was reportedly 12 years old at the time.

Dan said his father eventually distanced himself from him and told him he was on his own. He later left school while in Class Seven and turned to riding a motorcycle taxi, commonly known as a boda boda, in Malindi to earn a living.

His separation from his father’s religious activities meant he was not among those who followed the movement into Shakahola.

The tragedy came to light in 2023, when authorities began uncovering mass graves in the forest. More than 400 bodies have since reportedly been recovered, making the case one of Kenya’s most devastating criminal investigations in recent years.

Paul Mackenzie has denied forcing his followers to starve themselves, while the defence has indicated plans to challenge the verdict through an appeal.

The court is expected to sentence the convicted individuals on November 6, 2026.

Dan’s reaction has drawn attention to the experiences of family members who became estranged from Mackenzie’s movement, highlighting the personal consequences of the tragedy beyond the victims and their grieving relatives.

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