Shakahola witness tells court she hasn't used medicine for over 10 years as they are "satanic"
The witness told the court on Wednesday that she relies entirely on prayer, believing that earthly remedies were created through “satanic minds” and could harm her soul.
A witness in the ongoing Shakahola manslaughter trial has revealed that she has not used any form of medicine for over 10 years, saying she follows the Good News International Ministry‘s teachings that medical treatment is dangerous.
The witness told the court on Wednesday that she relies entirely on prayer, believing that earthly remedies were created through “satanic minds” and could harm her soul as taught by controversial Pastor Paul Mackenzie.
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The witness, who described herself as a devoted follower of the Good News International Ministry for more than a decade, said she was among the “wateule,” a term for people who believe deeply in Jesus. She recounted that under Pastor Mackenzie’s guidance, earthly education was prohibited because it led to evil ways.
“I have not used any medicine for over 10 years. Whenever I fall ill, I rely solely on prayer,” she said.
“We were taught that medicine was created through satanic minds and is therefore dangerous.”
She added that the church discouraged the use of beauty products, claiming they caused people to lose their true identity, a belief she continues to uphold. Before fully committing to the ministry, she said she worked as an accountant, a job she left in 2018 after being convinced it was earthly and was turning her into a thief.
The witness told the court that these teachings against education, hospitals and beauty products came directly from Pastor Mackenzie, whom she believes was the first to receive the prophecy. She said she fully embraced his teachings through the Good News International Ministry, Times TV programmes and YouTube sermons.
She also attended his messages on “the beast,” “kazi ya mteule,” and “njia ni nyembamba.”
During the hearing, the prosecution played a video in which Pastor Mackenzie is heard saying, “My role is to brainwash people of their sins so that their soul meets Jesus Christ in heaven.”
The trial, which has captured national attention, exposes harrowing details of alleged cult activities in Shakahola, where hundreds of followers are believed to have died from starvation and extreme indoctrination.
Mackenzie, the head of the Good News International Church, is facing multiple charges at the Shanzu Law Courts under the Prevention of Terrorism Act and the Prevention of Organised Crime Act.
He faces accusations including murder, child torture and terrorism, stemming from the deaths of over 400 followers who reportedly starved to death last April under his instructions.
In January, Mackenzie pleaded not guilty to multiple counts of manslaughter. Prosecutors have indicated that the cases will also be charged under Kenyan laws addressing suicide pacts.
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