By Were Kelly
MOMBASA, June 12, 2025 — Shocking revelations continue to emerge in the ongoing trial of Paul Nthege Mackenzie, the main suspect behind the Shakahola massacre, as a forensic psychologist testified on Wednesday that Mackenzie systematically brainwashed his followers using distorted biblical teachings and conspiracy theories.
Appearing before Shanzu Principal Magistrate Leah Juma, Consultant Forensic Psychologist Dr. Oscar Githuadescribed Mackenzie as a dangerously charismatic figure who manipulated vulnerable individuals under the guise of religious salvation. According to Githua, Mackenzie’s indoctrination tactics led to the deaths of more than 400 people—a tragedy the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) says was fueled by radicalized doomsday ideology.
“These teachings promoted sacred values so deeply internalized by followers that even death became justifiable,” Dr. Githua said. His psychological assessments of Mackenzie’s followers revealed extreme signs of radicalization—distinct dress codes, obsessive prayer rituals, and visible signs of malnutrition.
Among the most disturbing findings was a phenomenon Githua referred to as “empathy delusion”—a state in which followers believed that allowing their loved ones, including children, to die of starvation was an act of spiritual purity. “Some mothers actively participated in the death of their children,” he told the court.
The court heard that Mackenzie’s Good News International Church preached apocalyptic messages condemning modern society. He rejected education, healthcare, and government services, labelling systems like Huduma Number as tools of the devil. His sermons bore provocative titles such as “Anti-Christ,” “The Fallen Babylon,” “Katiba ni Mambo ya Shetani” (The Constitution Is the Devil’s Work), and “Mwanadamu ni Shetani” (Man Is the Devil).
Books linked to global conspiracy movements, including The New World Order by Ralph Epperson, were found at Mackenzie’s compound, further evidencing the influence of fringe ideologies in his teachings.
Dr. Githua compared the Shakahola tragedy to other historical cult disasters, such as the 1978 Jonestown massacre in Guyana, where over 900 followers of cult leader Jim Jones died. “This was a chilling copy-paste of events seen in Guyana, Uganda, and the U.S.,” he said.
Mackenzie is accused of leading his followers into voluntary isolation in the Shakahola forest, where indoctrination and starvation were used as tools of control. Prosecutors, led by Assistant DPP Jami Yamina and Senior Principal Prosecution Counsels Juma Victor Owiti and Betty Rubia, described Mackenzie’s actions as “a deliberate exploitation of faith for extremist ends.”
