The case against controversial preacher Paul Nthenge Mackenzie and 35 co-accused individuals intensified on Tuesday, September 16, as the prosecution presented four more witnesses at the Tononoka Children’s Court. The suspects face charges of child cruelty, torture, and denial of education linked to the Shakahola massacre.
What Evidence Was Presented in Court?
One of the witnesses, Maxwell Kisienya, Director of Bridge International Academy in Lungalunga, testified about the disappearance of a student, S.B.B., last seen in October 2017. Kisienya explained that the child, who had attended the school for two years, never returned after being sent home for unpaid fees. No transfer request was submitted, and the child’s fate remains unknown.
The prosecution also introduced digital forensic evidence. Police Constable Joseph Mwai, a Digital Forensics Expert from the Anti-Terrorism Police Unit, presented photographs showing severely malnourished individuals found in Shakahola forest.
What Did the Pathologist Reveal About the Victims?
Government Pathologist Dr. Richard Njoroge reported findings from post-mortem examinations on bodies recovered from mass graves. He explained that most remains had deteriorated into skeletons due to advanced decomposition, making it difficult to establish precise causes of death. However, in several cases, starvation was identified as the likely cause, with evidence of extreme loss of body mass.
Dr. Njoroge added that samples of teeth, bones, and nails were collected from 453 exhumed bodies, with DNA testing helping relatives identify some of the victims.
What Were the Conditions at Shakahola During Rescue Efforts?
Chief Inspector Job Wafula Wanyonyi, one of the first responders on April 13, 2023, described the horrific scenes. He testified that dozens of people were confined in makeshift shelters, many too weak to walk or speak. A minor, identified as C.A.A., revealed they were forced to fast until near death. Despite rescue attempts, two men and two women died during the operation.
Inspector Wanyonyi also told the court that several individuals guarded the confined victims with crude weapons, including rungus (clubs) and jembes (hoes).
The hearing resumes on Wednesday, September 17, with additional witnesses expected to testify as the prosecution builds its case.
By Risper Akinyi
