A protected witness has made startling claims before the Shanzu Law Courts, alleging that controversial preacher Pastor Paul Mackenzie once transformed into a snake before later convincing her family to return to the Shakahola forest, where six of her children eventually died.
The testimony was presented during the ongoing trial involving the Good News International Ministries founder, who faces multiple charges linked to the Shakahola tragedy.
According to information shared by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), the witness, identified only as LA, described a series of extraordinary events that she claimed strengthened her belief in Mackenzie’s teachings.
Witness Claims Mackenzie Transformed Into a Snake
While giving evidence before Senior Principal Magistrate Hon. Mwanamkuu, LA told the court that she witnessed Mackenzie transform into a snake during a visit to her family’s homestead.
She claimed the incident happened at around 7 p.m., alleging that Mackenzie’s head changed into a snake before the rest of his body followed.
According to her testimony, the snake then bit her husband, identified as JO.
The prosecution presented the testimony as part of its evidence in the ongoing trial. The alleged transformation is a claim made by the witness and has not been independently verified in court.
Phone Call From Prison Changed Everything
The witness also recounted receiving a phone call from Mackenzie while he was reportedly in prison.
She told the court that Mackenzie first spoke with her husband before asking to speak with her privately for about 20 minutes.
During the conversation, she alleged that the preacher claimed to possess the souls of everyone who had previously lived in Shakahola.
According to LA, Mackenzie instructed the family to return to the wilderness—commonly referred to as “jangwani”—and fast until death, promising they would reunite with their loved ones in heaven.
Believing his teachings, she agreed to return.
The decision, she told the court, ultimately resulted in the deaths of her six children.
Teachings Against Education, Employment and Hospitals
The witness testified that before joining Good News International Ministries, she had been a member of the Voice of Salvation Church.
She said Mackenzie’s sermons gradually convinced her that modern society was sinful and incompatible with true Christianity.
According to her testimony, followers were discouraged from pursuing education or employment.
“When you study and get a job, that work is a sin,” the witness quoted Mackenzie as teaching.
She further claimed followers were instructed not to seek medical treatment because Jesus alone was the healer.
Hospitals were allegedly portrayed as evil because of the serpent symbol commonly associated with medicine.
Followers Told to Burn Identity Documents
The court also heard allegations that Mackenzie instructed followers to reject government-issued identification documents.
According to LA, believers were told that Huduma Namba represented the “mark of the beast” and that national identity cards were linked to the devil.
She admitted she did not burn her own identity card because she believed she had already been spiritually “marked.”
However, she testified that she burned her children’s birth certificates in obedience to the preacher’s instructions.
Shakahola Tragedy Continues to Unfold in Court
The Shakahola massacre remains one of Kenya’s deadliest cult-related disasters.
Investigations began in early 2023 after authorities discovered hundreds of bodies buried in shallow graves within Shakahola Forest in Kilifi County.
Prosecutors allege many victims starved themselves to death after following Mackenzie’s teachings that they would “meet Jesus.”
Mackenzie has denied wrongdoing and continues to face multiple charges, including murder, manslaughter and terrorism-related offences. The criminal proceedings remain ongoing, and the court has not reached a verdict.
As more witnesses testify, the case continues to reveal disturbing accounts of the alleged psychological influence exercised over followers, while the court works to determine the facts surrounding one of Kenya’s most shocking criminal investigations.
FAQ
What did the protected witness tell the court about Pastor Mackenzie?
The witness claimed she saw Pastor Paul Mackenzie transform into a snake before allegedly biting her husband. This testimony was presented in court and has not been independently verified.
What happened after Mackenzie’s alleged phone call?
The witness said Mackenzie convinced her family to return to Shakahola and fast until death, a decision she testified led to the deaths of her six children.
What charges is Pastor Mackenzie facing?
Pastor Paul Mackenzie faces multiple charges, including murder, manslaughter and terrorism-related offences. He has denied wrongdoing, and the trial is ongoing.