Written by Joyce Nzomo
The prosecution on Tuesday intensified its case against controversial preacher Paul Nthenge Mackenzie and his 35 co-accused, with harrowing testimonies and forensic evidence painting a grim picture of the atrocities linked to the Shakahola massacre.
The matter, before Principal Magistrate Hon. Nelly Chepchirchir at the Tononoka Children’s Court, saw four more witnesses testify. The accused face multiple charges including cruelty to children, torture, and denial of education.
Led by Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Jami Yamina, alongside Principal Prosecution Counsel Betty Rubia and Counsels Eunice Odongo and Biasha Khalifa, the prosecution presented both human and digital evidence.
One witness, Mr. Maxwell Kisienya, Director of Bridge International Academy in Lungalunga, told the court about a missing pupil identified as S.B.B., who was last seen in October 2017 after being sent home for unpaid school fees. The child never returned, and no transfer request was received by the school.
Police Constable Joseph Mwai, a digital forensic expert attached to the Anti-Terrorism Police Unit, recounted how he extracted four disturbing photographs from a witness’s phone using forensic software. The images, one timestamped April 24, 2023, at 12:07 p.m., showed severely malnourished individuals.
Government Pathologist Dr. Richard Njoroge testified that while advanced decomposition made it difficult to determine the cause of death in many of the 453 exhumed bodies, starvation appeared evident in several cases. DNA analysis from teeth, bones, and nails has helped relatives identify some victims.
Chief Inspector Job Wafula Wanyonyi, part of the first rescue mission in Shakahola on April 13, 2023, described finding dozens of starving victims confined in makeshift shelters. Despite efforts to save them, four people ; two men and two women died during the operation. He added that armed individuals guarding the victims were arrested at the scene.
The court adjourned to Wednesday, September 17, 2025, when more witnesses are expected to take the stand.
