A protected witness has provided a bizarre account in the Shanzu Law Courts regarding the alleged supernatural powers of Pastor Paul Mackenzie. The witness, identified only as LA, claimed the controversial leader of the Good News International Ministries once transformed into a snake.
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) shared the details of the testimony on its official X account. LA told the court she witnessed the transformation at approximately 7 pm.
According to her statement, Mackenzie had visited her family's homestead at the time the incident occurred. She alleged that his head changed into a snake first, followed shortly after by his body. Once the transformation was complete, the snake reportedly bit her husband, JO.
“Mackenzie had visited their homestead before his head transformed into a snake, and shortly after, his body. After the transformation, the snake bit the husband,” ODPP tweeted.
A Fatal Call from Prison
The court, presided over by Senior Principal Magistrate Hon. Mwanamkuu, heard how a single phone call from Mackenzie led the family to tragedy. At the time, the pastor was reportedly in prison. He spoke to JO and then requested to speak with LA for about 20 minutes.
He told LA that her late wife was already waiting for them in heaven.
Believing these teachings would lead to salvation, LA agreed to return. This decision ultimately led to the deaths of her six children.
Teachings Against the State and Medicine
LA explained that she was originally a member of the Voice of Salvation Church before joining Mackenzie’s ministry. She became convinced that his radical teachings were the only true path to salvation.
Followers were taught that modern society was inherently sinful. Mackenzie reportedly preached that formal education and employment were forms of evil.
“When you study and get a job, that work is a sin.”
The witness further testified that the ministry discouraged all forms of medical treatment. Followers were told that Jesus alone is the healer. Hospitals were described as symbols of evil, specifically because of the serpent emblem found on the medical cross.
The Mark of the Beast
The radicalisation extended to government identification and national services. The court heard that followers were instructed that the Huduma Namba was "the mark of the beast".
The Shakahola massacre is one of the deadliest cult-related incidents in recent history in Kenya. Investigations began in early 2023 when police discovered hundreds of bodies buried in shallow graves in the Shakahola forest in Kilifi County, Kenya.
Most victims are believed to have starved themselves to death on the orders of Paul Mackenzie, who allegedly promised they would "meet Jesus."
