Wamuzi News Ke
New and deeply disturbing evidence has surfaced in the ongoing trial of Paul Mackenzie and 92 co-accused over the deaths of 191 people at the Shakahola forest compound, revealing how children were lured with promises of wealth and even helicopters if they followed the preacher’s teachings.
Harrowing Testimony Exposes Lure of False Promises
On Thursday at the Mombasa High Court, the 57th and 58th prosecution witnesses painted a chilling picture of how Mackenzie’s inner circle manipulated vulnerable youths and families. Witness Benson Mutimba said two of his children, aged 27 and 16, abandoned education after being convinced by Mackenzie to sell all assets and relocate to the Shakahola commune. “He told me Pastor Mackenzie had even promised him a helicopter if he continued following his teachings,” Mutimba testified.
Another witness, Jesca Safari Kone, described losing contact with three sisters and five children who reportedly died after going to Shakahola. Her testimony detailed how her relatives had withdrawn from schooling and medical care under the church’s influence.
Systematic Control: Education, Healthcare and Family Life Subverted
The evidence revealed a consistent pattern wherein children and youths were encouraged—or coerced—to abandon schooling, reject medical treatment and sever family contact. For example:
- Mutimba’s children sent money to Mackenzie’s number after relocating.
- Another sister-in-law was found in the forest emaciated and incapacitated after living in the compound.
- A man burned his children’s school report cards and birth certificates, under the influence of sect teachings.
These steps denote an institutionalised strategy of isolating and controlling followers, especially minors, by promising extraordinary rewards—wealth, a helicopter, spiritual elevation—while demanding extreme compliance.
Why This Story Is Critical
This case strikes at the heart of child protection, religious freedom and criminal justice in Kenya. Key reasons it matters:
- Promised rewards vs. tragic outcomes: Whopping promises such as helicopters trigger significant psychological control; what followed was starvation and death in the forest.
- Vulnerability of children: The manipulation of minors via theology and dreams of wealth bypasses standard protective mechanisms.
- Legal precedents: The charges under the Prevention of Terrorism Act and Prevention of Organised Crime Act reflect the severity with which authorities are treating such cult-style dynamics.
- Public trust and perception: The more layers unravel, the greater the pressure on regulators, faith institutions and law enforcement to prevent similar tragedies.
