Dan Mackenzie, the son of controversial preacher Paul Mackenzie, has revealed that he was forced to fast for an entire week when he was just 12 years old while growing up in his father's religious movement.
The 24-year-old spoke to journalists following the High Court's decision on October 19, 2026, to convict his father and 28 co-accused of 191 counts of murder linked to the Shakahola tragedy.
Dan said his childhood experiences included harsh treatment by members of the church, particularly when he resisted its rules.
According to his account, he was also beaten for nearly three hours after resisting instructions to attend a church service. He said the experience contributed to his difficult relationship with the religious movement.
Mackenzie's Son Says He Was Abandoned
Dan explained that his relationship with his father eventually deteriorated, with Paul Mackenzie telling him that he was on his own.
He said he left school in Class Seven and later began working as a motorcycle taxi rider in Malindi to support himself.
His account offers a glimpse into the experiences of children who grew up within the religious movement before the Shakahola tragedy attracted national and international attention.
Dan's statements describe his own experiences and do not establish that his father personally carried out the alleged beating.
Son Reacts to Father's Conviction
Reacting to the court's decision, Dan said he felt relieved and believed justice had been served for the victims and their families.
He also revealed that he had spoken to his father after the ruling. According to Dan, Mackenzie accused him of betrayal, although he said he did not understand the reason for the accusation.
Dan said he had little more to say to his father following the exchange.
The court's decision marked a major development in the Shakahola case, which involved the deaths of 190 children and one adult.
Five Younger Siblings Rescued
Dan also disclosed that five of his younger siblings—three girls and two boys—had been rescued and were staying at a rescue centre.
He expressed hope that they would be able to rebuild their lives after the experiences associated with the religious movement.
The rescue and rehabilitation of children affected by the Shakahola tragedy remain important concerns as authorities and support organisations work to help survivors recover.
Sentencing Scheduled for November
Paul Mackenzie and his 28 co-accused are scheduled to be sentenced on November 6, 2026, following their convictions.
The case has drawn attention to the vulnerability of children within closed religious groups and the importance of protecting minors from abuse and coercion.
Dan's account adds another perspective to the events surrounding the Shakahola tragedy, highlighting the experiences of a family member who says he also suffered under the movement's rules.