Forensic Evidence Links Mackenzie’s Phones to Shakahola Starvation Deaths

By Mwakwaya Raymond

Emil, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com

A senior digital forensics investigator has presented evidence in court linking mobile phones allegedly belonging to cult leader Paul Nthenge Mackenzie to the starvation deaths in Shakahola forest.

Chief inspector Joseph Kolum, the 65th prosecution witness, said he examined two phones—a Nokia and an Itel—both with SIM cards and thousands of WhatsApp conversations between Mackenzie and his followers.

The forensic analysis, conducted on April 13, 2023, generated a 74,658-page report using the Universal Forensic Extraction Device (UFED).

The data revealed recurring conversations around fasting, prophecy, the Antichrist, the Beast, the New World Order and the number 666.

Kolum explained that Mackenzie consistently told followers that the church was no longer in their homes, but in the wilderness, urging them to relocate urgently to Shakahola.

The court heard that messages dating back to September 2020 showed Mackenzie declaring he had already completed his mission and was waiting in the wilderness for the Lord.

Chats from 2022 and 2023 revealed followers seeking guidance on when to move to Shakahola, and Mackenzie repeatedly stressed that they should do so without delay.

The analysis further uncovered instructions on education, including directives to withdraw children from school.

One mother reported that her child allegedly suffered spiritual attacks when dressed in school uniform, and Mackenzie advised her to stop sending the child to school.

Mackenzie also sent WhatsApp messages encouraging mothers not to take their sick children to hospitals for treatment.

The forensic officer also testified that followers pledged to send money to Mackenzie for the purchase of land at Shakahola where they would settle and fast.

The recovered data included PDF documents, audio sermons, and YouTube links containing apocalyptic teachings after the closure of his Malindi-based Furunzi GNI Church.

Recurring themes in the chats emphasized Shakahola as the chosen place to await the return of Christ and the end of the world.

Mackenzie and 35 co-accused are facing charges of cruelty, torture and denial of education to children in connection with the Shakahola massacre.

At Tononoka Children’s Court, principal magistrate Nelly Chepchirchir directed that further hearing continue to September 16–19, 2025.

The prosecution team comprise of assistant director of public prosecutions Jami Yamina and Ngina Mutua, principal prosecution counsel Betty Rubia and prosecution counsel Biasha Khalifa.