Consultant Forensic Psychologist, Dr. Oscar Githua, testified before Shanzu Principal Magistrate Leah Juma on Wednesday, giving details on how Mackenzie used his influence and charisma to brainwash his followers under the guise of religious salvation.
Through the teachings, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (ODPP) says Mackenzie spread a dangerous doomsday ideology that led to the deaths of more than 400 people.
Following Dr. Githua’s psychological evaluations on Mackenzie’s followers, many showed signs of extreme radicalization, visible in their distinct dress, obsessive prayer routine, and deteriorated physical condition.
“These included adoption of sacred values and beliefs so deeply held that they justified even death,” Dr. Githua explained.
He pointed out five core indicators linking the group to violent extremism and possible terrorist behaviour.
“They believed the physical world, including education, healthcare, and government services, was evil. Participation in systems such as the Huduma Number was seen as defiling and a barrier to salvation,” he told court.
Another finding was what Dr. Githua termed as “empathy delusion,” a psychological condition in which followers believed that allowing or assisting their loved ones, including children, to starve to death was an act of spiritual purity.
“It is unheard of, but some mothers aided their children in dying. This illustrates the depth of their radicalization,” he said.
Mackenzie preached apocalyptic messages that blended falsified biblical interpretations with conspiracy theories in his Good News International Church. He warned his members against modern identity systems like Huduma Number, labelling governments as cultic and demonic.
He used provocative titles in his sermons, including “Anti-Christ,” “The Fallen Babylon,” “Katiba ni Mambo ya Shetani” (The Constitution Is the Devil’s Work), and “Mwanadamu ni Shetani” (Man Is the Devil).
Books such as “The New World Order” by controversial American author Ralph Epperson were recovered from Mackenzie’s compound.
Dr. Githua marked a likeness of the Shakahola massacre to other cult tragedies across the world, specifically citing the 1978 Jonestown massacre in Guyana, where over 900 followers of Jim Jones died in a mass murder-suicide.
“The signs were consistent with historical cult disasters. This was a copy-and-paste of events in Guyana, Uganda, and the United States,” he said.
The court also heard that Mackenzie encouraged his followers to move to the remote Shakahola forest to await the end of the world. This isolation, coupled with indoctrination, allowed for unchecked abuse and control.
The prosecution team, led by Assistant DPP Jami Yamina and Senior Principal Prosecution Counsels Juma Victor Owiti and Betty Rubia, highlighted Mackenzie’s teachings and actions as a deliberate and dangerous manipulation of faith for extremist ends.
