Several prosecution witnesses testified in a Mombasa court on Wednesday , recounting how controversial preacher Paul Nthenge Mackenzie used radical interpretations of the Bible to lead his followers to their deaths.
The testimonies came in the ongoing case where Mackenzie, his wife Rhoda Mumbua Maweu, and 93 others face 283 counts of manslaughter for their involvement in the tragic events at Shakahola forest.
The first prosecution witness testified in camera, while the second witness provided chilling details in open court. They described how Mackenzie’s radical teachings prompted men, women, and children to fast to death, denying even their children food and water.
A 17-year-old girl, testifying before Chief Magistrate Alex Ithuku, stated that Mackenzie distorted the Bible, instructing his followers to abandon work, meals, education, and worldly pleasures.
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In one instance, he contradicted the biblical teaching, “Whoever doesn’t want to work shouldn’t be allowed to eat,” instead preaching that his followers should give up work and fast in preparation to meet Jesus.
The witness revealed that Mackenzie often declared deaths in the forest as “weddings” or journeys to meet Jesus. She personally witnessed the deaths of six people, including a child, and described how their bodies were buried in shallow graves within Shakahola forest.
The prosecution team, led by Senior Assistant DPP Peter Kiprop, presented further evidence, including testimony from former Officer Commanding Lango Baya Police Station Hamara Hassan.
Hassan recounted how Mackenzie had filed complaints with police, only for investigators to uncover the horrifying conditions in Shakahola forest, where 15 followers were found too weak to walk—three of whom later died.
The hearing continues on Thursday, with the prosecution building its case against Mackenzie and his co-accused for their roles in the mass deaths orchestrated through deadly fasting rituals.