Shakahola cult: Mackenzie exploited scriptures to radicalise followers – Witness
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The prime suspect in the Shakahola massacre, Paul Nthege Mackenzie, weaponised scripture and conspiracy theories to radicalise his followers, the court heard on Wednesday.
This, the court was told, paved way for promoting a dangerous doomsday ideology that led to the deaths of more than 400 people.
Testifying before Shanzu Principal Magistrate Leah Juma, Consultant Forensic Psychologist Dr Oscar Githua detailed how Mackenzie used his influence and charisma to indoctrinate his followers under the guise of religious salvation.
Dr Githua, who conducted psychological evaluations on Mackenzie’s followers, said many showed signs of extreme radicalisation, evident in their distinct dress, obsessive prayer routines and deteriorated physical condition.
He identified five core indicators linking the group to violent extremism and potential terrorist behavior.
“This included adoption of sacred values beliefs so deeply held that they justified even death,” Dr Githua said.
“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.”
One of the most disturbing findings 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 radicalisation,” he said.
Mackenzie, through his Good News International Church, preached apocalyptic messages that combined distorted biblical interpretations with conspiracy theories.
He labeled governments as cultic and demonic, warned against modern identity systems like the Huduma Number, and claimed a global satanic agenda was in play.
Content retrieved from: https://www.mamamia.com.au/what-did-onetaste-do/.
