Shakahola Massacre: How Pastor Mackenzie Described Deaths as Weddings to Lure His Followers

A defence witness in the ongoing Shakahola massacre trial has told the High Court of Mombasa that members of the Shakahola forest settlement referred to deaths as “weddings,” describing a belief system that framed death as a spiritual transition rather than an end.

Testifying before Justice Diana Kavedza at the Mombasa High Court, the accused person, Steven Ngugi, said he participated in digging graves and burying individuals who died within the Shakahola forest.

He maintained that he acted in “good faith” as a member of the religious community and could not determine the exact causes of death of the people he helped bury.

Ngugi was under cross examination by Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions Jami Yamina, during the ongoing defence hearing.

Ngugi Quit His Education

In his testimony, Ngugi told the court that his adherence to the group’s teachings influenced his decision to abandon his university studies and relocate to Shakahola in 2023.

Ngugi said he purchased a piece of land within the Shakahola forest settlement for Ksh 1,500 and became part of the religious community.

This community discouraged formal education, access to medical care, and other aspects of modern life that are considered inconsistent with its teachings and beliefs.

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Fasting For Long Was A Norm

He further confirmed that prolonged fasting was a common practice among members of the group.

According to his testimony, he personally engaged in extended fasting and was required to go to the hospital for treatment after suffering dehydration due to lack of food and water while he was living in Shakahola forest.

Ngugi also told the court that members used coded language to describe events that took place within the forest.

He explained that deaths were referred to as “weddings,” reflecting a belief that followers did not die but instead transitioned spiritually to another realm.

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Words Used In The Forest

He added that phrases such as “kupanda mlima” and “kushuka mlima” were commonly used to mark the beginning and end of fasting periods among followers.

The testimony forms part of the defence case in the ongoing trial arising from deaths linked to activities in the Shakahola forest settlement.

Prosecutors allege structured fasting practices contributed to the loss of hundreds of lives between 2021 and 2023.

Court proceedings in the matter are continuing before the Mombasa High Court.

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