A self-proclaimed Kenyan preacher was sentenced to 200 years in prison on Friday for the murder of 190 children and one adult in an infamous starvation cult.

Hundreds of bodies have been discovered since 2023 at the sect's base in the coastal county of Kilifi, in what became known as the "Shakahola Forest Massacre."

Paul Nthenge Mackenzie was accused of inciting his followers to starve themselves to death in order to "meet Jesus."

Last month, he was convicted, alongside 28 co-accused persons, of murdering 190 children and one adult between January 2021 and September 2023. His lawyer said he would appeal.

On Friday, the court sentenced him to 100 years for the homicide charges and 100 years for the starvation charges.

Twenty-eight accomplices were also sentenced to a variety of lengthy prison terms.

Mackenzie also faces manslaughter and terrorism charges in other trials, which he denies.

The former taxi driver appeared indifferent as he arrived in court on Friday, wearing a polo shirt and sporting a faint smile.

Francis Wanje, a 62-year-old teacher who lost two grandchildren, said he had hoped Mackenzie would be sentenced to death to prevent further tragedies.

"Nothing can ease the pain," said Wanje, who blamed authorities for failing to act swiftly.

"I really have great (anger) towards the authorities. If they had taken action, we would not be here today," he added.