By Andrew Kariuki

Steven Ngugi, an accused person in the Shakahola massacre trial, has admitted before the High Court in Mombasa that he took part in burial activities within the forest settlement, stating that he believed his actions were guided by the group’s religious teachings.

Testifying before Justice Diana Kavedza, Ngugi told the court that he assisted in digging graves and burying individuals who died in Shakahola, maintaining that he acted in “good faith” as a member of the religious community.

Under cross-examination by prosecutors from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Ngugi acknowledged that he could not determine the actual causes of death of the individuals he buried.

He further testified that he abandoned his university studies and relocated to Shakahola in 2023 after embracing the group’s teachings, where he acquired a piece of land for Ksh1,500.

Ngugi described a strict belief system within the settlement that discouraged formal education, medical treatment and other aspects of modern life, which were viewed as inconsistent with their doctrine.

He told the court that prolonged fasting was a common practice among members, adding that he personally took part and at one point required hospital treatment after suffering dehydration due to extended fasting without food or water.

According to his testimony, deaths within the group were referred to as “weddings,” reflecting a belief that followers did not die but transitioned spiritually.

He also explained that coded phrases such as “kupanda mlima” and “kushuka mlima” were used within the group to describe the beginning and end of fasting periods.

The hearing is ongoing, with more defence witnesses expected to testify as the trial continues.