The prosecution has officially closed its case against Pastor Paul Nthenge Mackenzie and several of his co-accused in connection with child torture charges linked to the Shakahola massacre in Kilifi County.
Mackenzie, who also goes by the names Mtumishi, Nabii, and Papaa, is facing charges over allegations that children in his cult were subjected to physical abuse between 2020 and 2023. According to prosecutors, minors were beaten with sticks and whipped with thorny branches under Mackenzie’s leadership in the Shakahola forest.
The case, which has been ongoing at the Tononoka Children’s Court, has seen the prosecution team, led by Victor Owiti Alexander Jami and Betty Rudia—call 76 witnesses and present over 100 exhibits. The evidence included photographs, videos, and WhatsApp communications said to be linked to Mackenzie and his followers. Out of the 76 witnesses, 16 testified under protection, with 13 of them being children.
On Friday, September 19, 2025, the prosecution informed the court that it had completed presenting its evidence. The next hearing is set for October 14, 2025, when the court will determine if the case is ready to proceed to the defense stage.
Mackenzie is already facing multiple charges in connection with the Shakahola tragedy, where the discovery of mass graves shocked the country and drew international attention. The closure of the child torture case marks a significant step in the broader prosecution process.
Authorities say the matter remains highly sensitive due to the involvement of minors and the scale of the alleged abuses. The trial continues to draw public interest, with many Kenyans calling for accountability and justice for the victims of the Shakahola cult.
PHOTO COURTESY: BBC
