Shakahola families welcome 200-year sentence for Mackenzie, seek remains of loved ones

However, some of those who attended Friday's sentencing said Mackenzie deserved a harsher punishment, citing his conduct throughout the trial.

Francis Wanje, who lost eight relatives in Shakahola, said the sentence offered some relief, recalling how Mackenzie had repeatedly made remarks suggesting that those opposing him would eventually face consequences.

For Suleiman Ziro, however, the sentence has done little to ease the pain of losing his wife and six children. He said he was yet to see their bodies or remains, leaving him uncertain about their fate.

“Nasema ni sawa hivyo maana sehemu hii sina la kusema sababu bado sijapata miili sijui kama walikufa au wako hai je mimi sasa nitaridhika vipi na ile family yangu bado sijapata,” Ziro said.

Wanje said he hoped Mackenzie's sentence would also serve as a warning against religious teachings that could lead to similar tragedies.

“Injili yake ikiwe sasa atageuka na endelee kuiga injili huko ndani ndio wengine wasikuwe na mienendo kama yake,” he said.

The families said the sentencing marked an important moment in their pursuit of justice, although those yet to recover the remains of their loved ones continue to wait for answers.

For some, the ruling has offered a degree of closure and renewed confidence in the justice system, but for others, the search for their missing family members remains unresolved.