Protected witnesses in Mombasa High Court shared horrific testimonies in the murder trial of preacher Paul Mackenzie and 29 co-accused, linked to the deaths of over 400 people in the Shakahola Forest massacre. Witnesses detailed forced conversions, condemnation of education and medicine, and followers being told to fast to death.

• More than 400 people died in the Shakahola Forest massacre.
• Controversial preacher Paul Mackenzie and 29 co-accused are currently on trial.
• One witness, identified as O.H. alias P.P., was forced to convert from Islam to Christianity to join Mackenzie’s Good News International Church.
• Witnesses described burial rituals for deceased children as “weddings,” where followers clapped and sang hymns as they “wedded Jesus.”
• A 10-year-old boy witnessed the deaths of two siblings in Shakahola.