A video capturing controversial preacher Paul Nthenge Mackenzie smiling broadly and cheerfully greeting people moments after receiving a 200-year prison sentence has emerged online, sparking widespread reactions and disbelief among Kenyans.
The footage, recorded on Friday, November 6, shows Mackenzie walking out of the courtroom at the Mombasa High Court alongside several of his co-accused following the conclusion of their sentencing.
However, what caught the attention of many people was not simply his appearance after the landmark court proceedings, but his unexpected reaction as he stepped outside the courtroom.
As he came into view of journalists, photographers and other people who had gathered at the court premises, Mackenzie appeared unusually cheerful. He broke into a broad smile, waved at the crowd and appeared to exchange friendly greetings with those around him.
Rather than displaying visible disappointment or distress following the lengthy prison sentence, the controversial preacher maintained his smile as he walked past members of the press.
The video has since circulated widely on social media, with many people expressing surprise at his seemingly relaxed demeanour, considering the seriousness of the judgment he had just received.
His cheerful reaction came only moments after Justice Diana Kavedza Mochache handed him one of the longest prison sentences in Kenya’s judicial history over the deaths of 191 people at Shakahola Forest in Kilifi County.
The High Court had found Mackenzie guilty alongside 28 co-accused on October 19, 2026, following a lengthy trial examining the circumstances surrounding the deaths of his followers.
The victims were allegedly subjected to extreme fasting after being persuaded that starving themselves would enable them to meet Jesus Christ. The horrifying discoveries at Shakahola exposed one of the most disturbing religious-related tragedies in Kenya’s recent history.
During Friday’s sentencing, Justice Kavedza divided Mackenzie’s punishment into two separate 100-year prison terms, reflecting two categories of murder established during the trial.
The sentence marked another major development in a case that has attracted national and international attention because of the scale of the deaths and the disturbing circumstances surrounding the religious teachings associated with Mackenzie.
For many Kenyans, the images of the preacher smiling and waving shortly after receiving the lengthy sentence have raised questions about his apparent state of mind.
Others have taken to social media to debate his reaction, with some expressing disbelief while others questioned whether his cheerful demeanour was intended to communicate something to the public.
Despite the online discussions, the video alone does not establish what Mackenzie was thinking or feeling as he left the courtroom.
Nevertheless, his unexpected appearance has added another talking point to a case that continues to attract enormous public interest.
The Shakahola tragedy remains a painful chapter in Kenya’s history, with the families of the victims continuing to grapple with the devastating loss of their loved ones.
