The Director of Public Prosecutions has intensified the case against controversial preacher Paul Mackenzie, with witnesses providing detailed accounts of harmful teachings and coercive methods linked to the Shakahola tragedy.
At Mombasa High Court before Justice Diana Kavedza, testimony revealed the extent of Mackenzie’s influence over followers.
George Mwaura Kiburu, a former associate preacher, described how Mackenzie persuaded members to leave their jobs and regular lives, promising they would reach heaven in June 2023. The church rejected government programs like the Huduma Number and discouraged both education and medical treatment.
Mwaura explained that he left his position as a bus driver to join the ministry, and his daughter quit school to help with sermon editing.
Despite opposing Mackenzie’s rapture predictions, he witnessed the preacher continue spreading these beliefs.
“Mackenzie convinced me to quit my job as a bus driver and join his Good News Church. My daughter also left school to edit his sermons,” Mwaura told the court.
Bernard Mkalasinga testified remotely about his sister Pamela Muhonja, who joined Mackenzie’s group, shaved her head, and moved to Shakahola with family members before losing contact with relatives.
Her body was identified in 2023, though her daughter and granddaughter remain unaccounted for.
Monica Muvea shared how her sister Felista Kamandi changed dramatically after joining the church, neglecting her ten children’s schooling and refusing healthcare.
Kamandi eventually went to Shakahola, where one of her children reportedly died from starvation-related complications. She now faces manslaughter charges.
“Kamandi left home claiming she had gone ‘to visit Jesus in Mombasa’ before resurfacing in Shakahola, where she occasionally sent messages requesting financial help. She further revealed that one of Kamandi’s children died from weakness caused by starvation. Kamandi was later arrested and charged with manslaughter,” Muvea told the court.
Dr. Donna Nyamanga testified about examining over 200 bodies to help establish their identities.
Mackenzie and 29 others face charges connected to 191 deaths allegedly resulting from cult activities. The trial continues.
