Self-proclaimed preacher Paul Mackenzie, the alleged mastermind behind the Shakahola massacre, once warned his followers against registering for Huduma Namba, claiming it was satanic and symbolized "the mark of the beast" mentioned in the Book of Revelations.
This claim was made by a former follower of Mackenzie, now a State witness, who testified during a hearing at the Chief Magistrate’s Court in Mombasa on Wednesday. The witness, a Muslim who converted to Christianity under his father’s influence, described how his family became deeply involved in Mackenzie’s teachings after his father, once an alcoholic, became a devout follower.
According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the witness shared how his father’s transformation in 2019, prompted by Mackenzie's sermons on Times TV, led the entire family to join the Good News International Church in Makongeni, Nairobi. The witness was later baptized and given a Christian name. Mackenzie, along with George Mwaura, preached impactful sermons, leaving a lasting impression on the family.
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The witness also revealed that his mother shut down her salon after Mackenzie spoke against women braiding their hair and using beauty products. Additionally, when the government introduced Huduma Namba registration, Mackenzie told his followers to reject it, alleging that the Huduma card contained a microchip that represented the "mark of the beast" from Revelations 16-18.
In April 2022, the witness's father sold their household items, including their television and bed, and moved the family to Mackenzie’s church in Malindi. Upon arrival, they were assigned a piece of land in Shakahola, where the witness spent his days hunting, sleeping, or reading the Bible. Eventually, Mackenzie declared that followers should stop reading the Bible and instead be guided by the Holy Spirit, encouraging fasting and solitary prayer in anticipation of Jesus' return.
The witness also recounted his difficult escape through dense forests to avoid Mackenzie's guards. After several days, he found refuge with a local resident who offered him a job at a hardware store. He was later rescued by a children’s officer and taken to the Malindi Children Centre for protection.
The witness ended his testimony by expressing uncertainty about his father’s whereabouts, who had remained in Shakahola and had reportedly been recruited as a gravedigger by Mackenzie.
The case's hearing is set to continue on Thursday, September 12, 2024.
