​In a dramatic turn of events during the trial of Paul Nthenge Mackenzie, his son, Dan Mackenzie, came forward to publicly reject his father’s radical doctrines and denounce his actions.  

​Speaking during court proceedings, Dan labeled his father a “murderer” and expressed a willingness to testify against him. 

He revealed the deep toll the cult’s actions had taken on their family, explaining how some of his siblings were left trapped in “mental slavery”—denied medical care and formal education due to his father’s extreme teachings. 

​While some followers and family members remained devoted to Mackenzie, Dan courageously broke ranks.

He urged authorities and the Children’s Department to intervene to rescue his remaining siblings, providing crucial context to prosecutors about how planning occurred before followers were sent to starve in the Shakahola forest.