Forensic evidence, survivor testimony link Mackenzie to Kwa Binzaro deaths

The prosecution on Wednesday intensified its case against controversial preacher Paul Mackenzie, presenting a forensic expert and a survivor before the Mombasa High Court.

Inspector Emoru Phillip Awuol told the court that investigators carried out a meticulous process of evidence collection, preservation and analysis in relation to bodies exhumed from Shakahola forest.

His report, dated August 12, 2025, outlined how samples were documented at Malindi Hospital and other facilities nationwide to support DNA identification.

The court, presided over by Lady Justice Wendy Kagendo, heard that on August 15, 2025, investigators, working alongside the Kenya Red Cross Society, registered affected families to facilitate DNA matching of victims.

Awuol testified that internationally accepted forensic procedures were followed, with photography forming a key part of documentation. In total, 46 swab samples were collected and later submitted to the Government Chemist for analysis.

In chilling testimony, a protected witness identified as K.K. narrated her journey into Mackenzie’s teachings at the Good News International Church.

She said she had been a follower for over a decade, embracing doctrines centred on the end times that discouraged formal education, medical care and personal grooming.

K.K. told the court she withdrew her child from school and committed fully to the teachings, which encouraged followers to isolate themselves and acquire land in Shakahola in preparation for what they believed to be the end of the world.

Her account turned harrowing as she described being persuaded to join prolonged fasting and prayer sessions in Malindi, with promises of meeting Jesus.

She travelled to Kwa Binzaro with her child, where they were confined in a house under strict conditions, including denial of food and water.

According to her testimony, children who attempted to seek water were beaten by co-accused individuals, leading to the deaths of at least three minors.

She further recounted seeing children restrained with ropes before she eventually escaped into the forest.