A witness in the Shakahola case has given a disturbing account of life inside the forest. The woman, identified in court as LA, testified on Thursday. She made claims about Paul Mackenzie’s teachings.
Among them was an extraordinary account involving a snake. The witness told the Shanzu Law Courts that Mackenzie had allegedly appeared to turn into a snake. She said her husband was then bitten.
The claim was made during testimony. It has not been independently verified.
Mackenzie is facing trial alongside 95 other accused people.
Followers Were Urged to Fast
The witness said she had first joined Voice of Salvation Church. She later became a follower of Mackenzie. Her family was eventually moved to Shakahola. There, she said, fasting was followed as a path to salvation.
She told the court that Mackenzie had urged her husband to return to the forest. The purpose, she said, was to fast until death. She said six of her children later died. The testimony forms part of the prosecution’s case.
The accused remain entitled to a fair trial.
Education Was Also Rejected
The witness described other teachings she attributed to Mackenzie. She said formal education was discouraged. Employment was also portrayed as wrong. According to her testimony, followers were told such activities were linked to the devil.
Medical treatment was also discouraged, she said. She told the court that followers were taught that Jesus alone could provide healing.
Hospitals were allegedly portrayed as places linked to evil.
Identity Documents Were Destroyed
The witness also described instructions concerning identity documents. She said followers were told to destroy their national identity cards. The documents were allegedly described as the “mark of the beast”.
She told the court that she followed the teaching. Her children’s birth certificates were burnt, she said.
The testimony offered the court a glimpse into the beliefs she said were promoted among Mackenzie’s followers.
Serious Charges Remain Before Court
Mackenzie and his co-accused face several charges. They include terrorism and murder. Child cruelty and radicalisation charges have also been brought. The accused also face charges linked to Kenya’s education laws.
The prosecution must prove its case in court. The defence will have an opportunity to challenge the evidence. For now, the claims made by LA remain testimony.
The court will ultimately determine which facts are established by the evidence presented.
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