Witnesses to the Shakahola genocide began testifying today in Kenya
The Shakahola Forest murder case is expected to continue to be heard today in court when the witnesses will give their evidence against the main suspect of the murder, pastor Paul Mackenzie, and his 93 colleagues.
The Shakahola Forest murder case is expected to continue to be heard today in court when the witnesses will give their evidence against the main suspect of the murder, pastor Paul Mackenzie, and his 93 colleagues.Paul Mackenzie of the Good News International Church and his colleagues are facing several charges related to terrorism.
Among the witnesses who are being brought to court today are those who are protected who know the events of the Shakahola forest that caused the deaths of more than 430 people who are believed to be members of the Good News International Church.
It is believed that Reverend Mackenzie's church was used as a platform for transmitting radical ideology to hundreds of his followers who later perished while on a dangerous fast to commit suicide. The Christian leader of the church ordered his followers to starve themselves and their children to go to heaven to meet Jesus.
Earlier, the court was told that Mackenzie preached in church that the only way to meet Jesus was to starve to death.
The witnesses are expected to reveal what happened in the Shakahola forest and how the followers of the church were taught radical ideology before agreeing to fast to death.
The witnesses are also expected to reveal the teachings they were given, the individuals involved in the teachings, how the message was delivered, the specific locations and dates of these activities in Furunzi area in Malindi between 2020 and 2023.
