Members of Paul Mackenzie’s family have expressed shock and dissatisfaction with the 200-year prison sentence handed to the controversial preacher, questioning whether the punishment was practical and fair.
The family members said the sentence was difficult to comprehend, arguing that no individual could realistically serve 200 years behind bars.
Francis Musyoka Kimende, Mackenzie’s maternal uncle, described the sentence as unfair, questioning the circumstances surrounding the ruling.
Kimende defended his nephew, claiming that Mackenzie did not personally kill anyone and that his followers had made their own decision to stop eating.
He also questioned how such a large number of deaths could occur without the intelligence services detecting what was happening, arguing that it was difficult to believe one person could be responsible for all the deaths.
Kimende further suggested that the sentence was excessive, noting that the average human lifespan was far shorter than the period imposed by the court.
He said the family would meet to discuss the ruling and consider whether to appeal.
Jacob Samuka Kisini, Mackenzie’s paternal uncle, also expressed disappointment, questioning the practicality of a 200-year sentence.
Kisini described Mackenzie as an obedient child while growing up, saying he had difficulty understanding how his nephew became involved in the controversial religious movement. He suggested that peer pressure may have influenced his decisions.
He called on Mackenzie’s legal team to appeal, saying the family would welcome a reduced sentence.
Joyce Kanini, Kisini’s wife, said she was equally shocked by the sentence, recalling that Mackenzie had grown up alongside his own children. She appealed to the government to consider the family’s concerns and reduce the punishment.
The family members are from Ikalaasa Village, Kibauni Location, Mwala Sub-County in Machakos County.
Their reaction comes a day after Mackenzie was sentenced to 200 years in prison. However, the family’s claims about the circumstances of the deaths remain their own account and do not overturn the court’s findings.
