The state said Mackenzie, also known as Mtumishi, Nabii and Papaa, was linked to instructions that encouraged followers to continue fasting until death. It maintained that the accused had different roles in a coordinated practice that ultimately resulted in the loss of lives.
By Maureen KinyanjuiKilifi County has asked relatives, next of kin and anyone with information that could help establish the identities of the remains to visit Malindi Sub-County Hospital Mortuary, where 443 bodies and 45 body parts recovered during multiagency operations are being held.
By Maureen KinyanjuiThe call was made during Senate Mashinani in Kilifi County, where the Standing Committee on Health and the County Public Investments and Special Funds Committee inspected Malindi Sub-County Hospital and assessed challenges affecting healthcare delivery.
By Samuel OtienoAccording to his testimony, Mackenzie taught that "the Bible was viewed as a signboard that directs somebody but does not accompany him/her" and that followers no longer needed it because "they had Jesus with them, and they could see and communicate with him." The witness said he understood this to mean Mackenzie was referring to himself as Jesus
By Chrispho OwuorThe emotional testimony came on Monday as the prosecution presented four additional witnesses in the ongoing manslaughter case against Pastor Paul Mackenzie and his co-accused Shallyne Temba, Kahindi Garama, Tom Mkonwe, Julius Luwali and Johnson Richard.
By David AbonyoDuring court proceedings on Thrusday, Amanya affirmed that his plea was made voluntarily, saying it was free from any form of pressure, threat, or coercion.
By Maureen KinyanjuiThe eight suspects face charges under the Prevention of Terrorism Act, the Penal Code, and additional murder-related counts before the High Court.
By Maureen KinyanjuiThe guilty plea marks a critical moment for prosecutors seeking to uncover the inner workings of the sect led by self-styled preacher Paul Nthenge Mackenzie, accused of orchestrating a deadly regime of starvation, abuse, and forced obedience.
By Maureen KinyanjuiThe long and painful wait continues for many, but for 16 families, closure has begun as they prepare to lay their loved ones to rest after nearly two years of uncertainty.
By Maureen KinyanjuiFor nearly two years, the remains of the victims were kept at Malindi Sub-County Hospital mortuary, carefully preserved and labeled while forensic teams worked to match DNA samples to families eager for closure.This week, authorities launched a new phase of releasing identified bodies, this time including 37 victims, providing families with the opportunity to finally say goodbye.
By Maureen KinyanjuiThe officer told the court that they had separated Mackenzie from the other suspects, and an informer had reported that the preacher secretly ate in his cell so his followers would not notice.
By Samuel OtienoThe witness recounted that Mackenzie often referred to a passage in the Book of Revelation about a pregnant woman hiding in the wilderness for 1,260 days to escape a seven-headed dragon.
By Ian NjaneThe prosecution team, led by Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Jami Yamina and supported by Principal Prosecution Counsel Betty Rubia, as well as counsels Eunice Odongo and Biasha Khalifa, sought to highlight the depth of abuses allegedly carried out under Mackenzie’s influence.
By Maureen KinyanjuiSo far, a homicide team led by director Martin Nyuguto, alongside government pathologists Johansen Oduor and Richard Njoroge, has exhumed 34 bodies from shallow graves and collected over 100 body parts from the forest.
By Ann NyamburaAmong those who testified was Dominic Kahindi Mwakudza, who narrated how police approached him over his brother, Felix Katana, who had four children.
By Maureen KinyanjuiAt Shakahola, P.P. said followers were told to fast to death in stages, children first, followed by women, the elderly, and finally Mackenzie.
By Samuel OtienoEarly investigations suggest that the new victims in Kwa Binzaro may also have been starved to death, although the graves were concealed deeper in the bush compared to Shakahola.
By Maureen Kinyanjui. Authorities collected 333 DNA samples, yet only 66 victims have been identified through matches or physical recognition.
By Maureen KinyanjuiAt the heart of the reforms is the creation of a national Religious Affairs Commission that will oversee the registration and operations of religious institutions, monitor compliance, and offer policy direction.
By Maureen KinyanjuiSo far, 11 people linked to the alleged cult have been arrested and are currently being held in remand. They are expected to appear in court on August 22.
By Maureen KinyanjuiA forensic psychologist told the court on Wednesday that Mackenzie manipulated scripture and conspiracy theories to radicalize followers under the guise of religious salvation, resulting in the deaths of more than 400 people.
By Maureen KinyanjuiThe long and painful wait for Shakahola victims' families continues as financial and technical challenges hinder the DNA identification process.
By Maureen Kinyanjui