Shakahola cult: Mackenzie used scripture, conspiracy theories to lure followers
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The prime suspect in the Shakahola massacre, Paul Nthege Mackenzie, used scripture and conspiracy theories to radicalise his followers and advance a doomsday ideology that resulted in the deaths of more than 400 people, a court has heard.
Testifying before Shanzu Principal Magistrate Leah Juma, forensic psychologist Dr. Oscar Githua detailed how Mackenzie used his influence and charisma to indoctrinate his followers under the guise of religious salvation.
He said the teachings of Mackenzie’s under the Good News International Church were so extreme that families viewed starvation and death as spiritual victories.
Dr. Githua, who examined several of Mackenzie’s followers, told the court that many displayed signs of intense radicalisation including changes in appearance in their dressing, obsessive prayer routines and visible signs of physical deterioration.
He outlined five indicators that linked the group’s activities to violent extremism and potentially terror related behavior.
Among the most disturbing findings was what he termed “empathy delusion”, a psychological condition in which followers believed that helping loved ones, including children, die of starvation was a righteous act.
Content retrieved from: https://www.kbc.co.ke/shakahola-cult-mackenzie-used-scripture-conspiracy-theories-to-lure-followers/.
