Mackenzie's son says childhood rebellion saved him from Shakahola cult

Dan, who was present in court when his father was sentenced to 200 years in prison, said he refused to attend church as a child, prompting his father to stop involving him in religious activities and trips to Shakahola.

"Escaping this cult was rebellious. I didn't want to join or go into church when I was a kid so he gave up on me, he didn't involve me in going to Shakahola," he stated.

His account offers a glimpse into the experiences of Mackenzie's family as the preacher's conviction continues to draw mixed reactions, with some residents of his former home village in Kilifi County welcoming the sentence while his relatives in Machakos maintain his innocence.

Residents of Furunzi village in Malindi, where Mackenzie lived for years before establishing the Good News International Church in 2017, have praised the court and trial judge Diana Mochache for what they describe as justice for the victims of the Shakahola massacre.

Once regarded by some residents as a charismatic preacher who commanded a large following, Mackenzie's church now stands deserted, its doors shut and congregation gone.

Just a few kilometres from Malindi town, life in Furunzi village appears normal. But behind the quiet surroundings lies a dark chapter that shocked the country.

Residents recall a different Mackenzie, describing him as a jovial man who was once regarded by some as a respected preacher. His religious meetings attracted large crowds, with his influence growing as more people flocked to his church.

Johnson Katana, a Furunzi resident, recalled how the church was once well organised, adding that he had even considered joining the congregation.

“Alikuwa mhubiri kisha mzuri sana, kulikuwa na mpangilio mzuri sana wa hilo kanisa. Hata mimi mwenyewe nilikuwa nimeamua nitakuja kujiunga na hilo kanisa,” Katana said.

However, residents say their perception of the preacher changed when he allegedly began discouraging children from attending school and sick people from seeking medical treatment, before his followers eventually moved to Shakahola.

Today, residents who once admired Mackenzie are welcoming his conviction.

Vincent Baraka, another Furunzi resident, said he was pleased with the sentence, citing the loss of innocent lives.

“Mimi napongeza sana hiyo miaka aliowekwa kule ndani juu aliua innocent people,” Baraka said.

While Furunzi residents have welcomed the sentence, the reaction has been different in Ikalaasa village, Machakos County, where Mackenzie's family has refused to give up on one of their own.

The family disputes the court's findings, insisting that Mackenzie is innocent and accusing the court of delivering a verdict to satisfy public opinion. They have vowed to challenge the ruling through an appeal.

Mackenzie's uncles, Francis Musyoka and Jacob Samuka, alongside family member Joyce Kanini, expressed their dissatisfaction with the judgment and maintained their position.

Back in Furunzi, the church that once attracted crowds is now a shadow of its former self. Its gates are closed, activities have ceased, and only the structure remains, a silent reminder of a preacher whose influence ended in one of Kenya's darkest tragedies.