Gambiaj.com – (MOMBASA, Kenya) – The Shakahola massacre trial in Kenya entered its third day on Wednesday, July 10, with Pastor Paul MacKenzie being tried in the Shanzu court, Mombasa, for allegedly forcing 429 of his followers to starve to death to “meet Jesus Christ.”

During the session, there were several suspensions to allow a witness to compose himself after bouts of tears. Dr. Lewis Thoya Sirya, whose brother and cousin were followers of Paul MacKenzie, gave emotional testimony, particularly since his younger brother was present in the courtroom.

Lewis was one of those who brought the Shakahola tragedy to light. His cousin Humphrey, who had left the community, informed him of the deaths of his two nephews due to starvation. Lewis went to investigate with Humphrey, another brother, and a television crew. However, their expedition was cut short when they encountered around 100 of Paul MacKenzie’s men, armed with machetes, bows, and arrows.

Before leaving, Lewis and his companions managed to enter a compound and saw two small graves, likely those of children. Thanks to Lewis’s report, the Kenyan police discovered the Shakahola tragedy. At this time, his brother’s wife and nephews remain missing.

Paul MacKenzie listened to this testimony with apparent indifference. Sometimes he listened; other times, he read a pocket Bible or whispered to his lawyers. He even spoke to the press, claiming he was ready to respond but was being prevented from doing so.

MacKenzie’s defense tried to argue that the witness’s account was based on interpretations rather than facts. They questioned whether Lewis could recognize his brother or nephews after so many years and pointed out that the bodies had not been found. MacKenzie’s lawyer, Master Obonyo, cited the Bible multiple times, aiming to show that his clients were merely good Christians and that the prosecution’s portrayal was biased.

Later on July 10, another witness gave his account. In a sealed box hidden from view in the courtroom, an eight-year-old boy recounted how, at barely seven, his parents stopped feeding him after a sermon by Pastor MacKenzie. “Dad said it was the only way to get to heaven,” the child explained. Traumatized, he burst into tears when shown white pants and a turquoise shirt. “This is the outfit mom chose for my death,” he said.

The boy had few memories of Shakahola. He recalled not going to school or church, playing with friends whose fates are unknown, and listening to Pastor MacKenzie’s sermons. Saved by his grandfather, the boy survived the starvation, unlike his mother and two brothers. His father has since disappeared.

RFI