Father recounts how daughter joined Mackenzie’s church before vanishing in Shakahola

Shakahola cult leader Paul Mackenzie during a past appearance at the Mombasa Law Courts. (Photo: ODPP)

By Farhiya Hussein
Wednesday, June 24, 2026

The Shakahola tragedy, which shocked the country and drew international attention, came to light after authorities uncovered mass graves in the forest in Kilifi County.

A father searching for answers about his missing daughter has told the High Court how she became involved with the Good News International Church led by controversial preacher Paul Mackenzie through a man now facing trial over the Shakahola massacre.

Testifying before Justice Wendy Kagendo, 52-year-old Hamisi Abdala Mohamed said his daughter, Nuru Hamisi, converted from Islam to Christianity after becoming involved with Julius Thuva, one of Mackenzie's co-accused in the ongoing murder case.

Hamisi said he initially objected to the relationship because of differences in religious beliefs.

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He said communication with his daughter became increasingly difficult and eventually stopped altogether. For years, the family did not know her whereabouts.

Hamisi told the court that relatives launched a search after learning that Nuru, her husband and their children had relocated to Shakahola.

The witness said family members travelled to the area carrying her photograph and made inquiries among residents and traders.

When reports of deaths linked to Mackenzie's teachings emerged in 2023, Hamisi said he reported the matter to police and visited Malindi Sub-County Hospital, where survivors rescued from Shakahola had been admitted.

Despite searching among the survivors and later among suspects in police custody, he said he was unable to trace his daughter.

The testimony came as the court continued hearing evidence in the Shakahola murder case.

The court is also scheduled to visit parts of the Shakahola and Kwa Binzaro forests on Wednesday, locations that feature prominently in investigations into the deaths of hundreds of people believed to have followed Mackenzie's teachings.

The Shakahola tragedy, which shocked the country and drew international attention, came to light after authorities uncovered mass graves in the forest in Kilifi County. Prosecutors allege that followers were encouraged to starve themselves to death to meet Jesus, claims that Mackenzie has denied.