As the death toll in Shakahola rises and more bodies are exhumed, investigations have shifted. Evidence from Paul Mackenzie’s phones shows how he lured followers to starve in the forest.
At Tononoka Children’s Court, prosecutors said Mackenzie used WhatsApp to control his followers. Chief Inspector Joseph Kolum of the DCI said they retrieved over 74,000 pages of messages from his phones.
The chats date back to September 2020. They contain teachings on fasting, the Anti-Christ, and the “New World Order.” Mackenzie warned of satanic forces and urged families to move to Shakahola, which he called a holy refuge.
The evidence revealed Mackenzie’s influence over personal decisions. He told parents to withdraw children from school, calling education evil. He also ordered followers to avoid hospitals, even when children were ill.
Kolum said followers sent Mackenzie money to buy land in the forest. Families built huts and prepared for what they believed was the world’s end. Investigators also found audio sermons, PDFs, and YouTube links spreading his message.
Mackenzie also condemned government programs like Huduma Namba, labeling them “the mark of the beast.” He also banned women from plaiting their hair or wearing ornaments.
The court heard that his teachings caused mass starvation. Hundreds of shallow graves have also been unearthed.
Mackenzie, through his lawyer Lawrence Obonyo, denied the accusations. He claims he is innocent
He and 35 others face charges of cruelty, torture, and denying children education. The case is yet to resume.
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