In Kenya, the leader of the International Church of Good News and 94 co-defendants appear before a court in Mombasa on charges of ” terrorism “, after the death of hundreds of followers since Monday July 8. In April 2023, it was discovered ” The Shakahola Massacre “, named after a forest in the southeast of the country where the bodies of 429 followers were found. Pastor Paul Nthenge Mackenzie is said to have encouraged them to starve to death in order to ” meet jesus “On Thursday, July 11, a police sergeant from a locality close to the tragedy gave chilling details.
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With our special correspondent in Mombasa, Gaëlle Laleix
At Kenyathe Shakahola terrorism trial continues this July 11, 2024 in Mombasa. Since Monday, Paul Mackenzie and his 94 co-accused have been appearing before the Shanzu court, suspected of having killed at least 429 followers by starving them. Paul Mackenzie preached a total fast supposedly allowing them to join Jesus.
The testimonies of Thursday, July 11, reveal more about the rituals of the cult of the self-proclaimed pastor, notably thanks to the story of Sergeant Silas Irungu. He works at the Langobaya police station, the closest to the Shakahola forest. Silas Irungu is the first officer dispatched to Shakahola. He notably saved an 8-year-old boy who had already testified the day before.
Victims trapped in cages surrounded by stones
The sergeant recounts that when he asked the child where his mother and brothers were, the boy repeatedly told him that they were at ” a marriage “The policeman initially put it down to confusion caused by starvation and exhaustion. But when they came out of the house where the child was found, he showed the policeman the graves next to the mud building. It’s herethe boy said. That’s where they got married “.
According to an investigation report that RFI was able to consult, we understand that for Paul Mackenzie’s followers, death was a celebration. A ” marriage ” even, because in their eyes it represents the union of ” martyrs » with Jesus.
Another witness then took the stand, but his story was cut short: he was overcome with emotion when he explained that he had found victims trapped in a sort of cage made of branches, surrounded by stones. The session was then adjourned at midday.
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