A former follower of controversial preacher Paul Nthenge Mackenzie testified in court that Mackenzie instructed his followers to reject the Bible, isolate themselves, and undertake fasting until death as a path to heaven.

• Six children of the witness, aged between 2 and 16, reportedly died in Shakahola.
• The witness, identified as J.O, testified at the Shanzu Law Courts as the 19th prosecution witness in a radicalisation case against Mackenzie and seven co-accused.
• Mackenzie allegedly discouraged the use of the Bible, claiming it was unnecessary and that he was Jesus, and encouraged followers to lie to government officials, whom he deemed evil.