The Director of Public Prosecutions has presented fresh evidence in the ongoing Kwa Binzaro murder trial, with five prosecution witnesses giving detailed accounts of alleged radicalisation, religious teachings encouraging followers to starve to death, and the mysterious disappearance of entire families who travelled to the Malindi area.
The testimonies were heard before Senior Principal Magistrate Mwanamkuu Sudi at the Shanzu Law Courts, with the prosecution led by Principal Prosecution Counsel Betty Rubia.
Prosecution Witness 23, Kenya Police officer Isaiah Barasa Syakilo, testified that on July 18, 2025, he accompanied senior officers and local administration officials to premises associated with accused person Shallyne Anindo in the Binzaro area of Makongeni Sub-location, Chakama Location, Malindi.
The court heard that authorities had received information alleging that Anindo had radicalised followers and subjected them to starvation under the guise of prolonged fasting.
Barasa described finding the compound enclosed by barbed wire and thorny shrubs, with the gate locked from inside.
A villager, Gona Charo, attempted to persuade Anindo to open the gate, but she allegedly claimed the keys had been misplaced.
The team eventually forced their way in and found the compound deserted, recovering a blue motorcycle, a blue bicycle, a wheelbarrow, and assorted clothes from several houses.
Prosecution Witness 24, Meresia Adhiambo Juma, gave a personal account of how her son Stephen Ochieng Juma disappeared following a religious preaching session at their family home in February 2025.
She told the court that five visitors, one woman identified as Ann and four men, including one identified as Kahindi, had visited their home for what she described as a preaching session.
Ann allegedly encouraged them to allow their children to “go to Jesus,” claiming she had already sacrificed her own children.
The group reportedly urged followers to go into the wilderness in Malindi, pray to death, and go to heaven.
They also allegedly preached against education, seeking medical treatment, and attending churches.
Weeks later, Stephen disappeared for about three days. In March 2025, Stephen, his wife Rehema, his brother-in-law, Vivian, and Vivian’s 10-year-old son all disappeared after switching off their phones.
The family later learned they had travelled to Malindi.
Prosecution Witnesses 26 and 27, Titus Omondi Olum and Japheth Lenox Karim, testified about the disappearance of Seth Okinyi Olum, his wife Emily Adoyo Olum, and their four children.
The court heard that Seth had withdrawn his children from school and resigned from his job, allegedly under the influence of religious teachings that discouraged formal education and promoted the belief that the world was approaching its end.
Japheth told the court that his father followed Pastor Mackenzie’s teachings and believed the government represented the “beast” referenced in the Book of Revelation.
He said he lost contact with his family in April 2025.
In June, an anonymous caller allegedly contacted him, confirmed he was the son of “mtumishi Seth,” and told him: “Pole wametuacha,” before disconnecting.
The evidence forms part of the DPP’s case against eight accused persons led by controversial preacher Paul Mackenzie, who face charges relating to radicalisation and the deaths of 52 people.
The matter will be mentioned again on October 15, 2026.
