“They Were Promised Salvation” – New Testimonies Emerge in Mackenzie Shakahola Murder Trial

Fresh revelations surfaced at the Mombasa High Court on Thursday as the murder trial of Pastor Paul Mackenzie and 30 co-accused continued. Families took the stand, recounting how their loved ones were drawn into Mackenzie’s radical teachings, abandoned their lives and later died or disappeared inside the Shakahola forest.

One of the witnesses, Benson Mutimba from Webuye, said two of his children left school after being persuaded that education was sinful. His eldest son was a student at Kibabii University. The younger was only 16. Mutimba said the children believed Mackenzie to be a “true man of God” promising salvation and earthly rewards.

He told the court that Mackenzie promised to buy him a helicopter if he remained loyal. He said his son pressured him to sell his land and relocate to Shakahola. When his children vanished, he reported the matter to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations. Officers traced one phone to Malindi. Safaricom records later confirmed that Ksh 200 was sent to Mackenzie’s number after his son reached Ukunda.

Another witness, Jesca Safari Kone, testified that she lost three sisters and five children to the Shakahola teachings. She said they traveled to Mackenzie’s camp and never returned. Later, she learned they had died inside the forest.

A third witness, Esther Anyango, said her daughter moved from Likoni to Shakahola with her husband. She was later told her daughter died during childbirth. Her son-in-law and two grandchildren remain missing.

The 60th witness, Roseline Anivisa Asena, said her brother adopted Mackenzie’s teachings and removed his children from school. He burned their school documents and rejected medical care. She recognized him later in televised rescue footage. Children rescued from Shakahola told her that three of his children were already dead and buried.

Another witness, Florence Mwahita Mwaigo, said her son, one of the accused, lost his wife and child in Shakahola after fully embracing Mackenzie’s doctrine.

The prosecution continues to build its case. Mackenzie and his followers face charges linked to the deaths of at least 191 people. The hearing remains ongoing as Kenya seeks justice for the victims.