The murder trial involving controversial preacher Paul Nthenge Mackenzie, Shirlyne Temba, and six other accused persons continued this week before Lady Justice Wendi K. Micheni at the Mombasa High Court, with the prosecution presenting testimony from 20 witnesses on the tragic events linked to Kwa Binzaro in Malindi.
The witnesses gave emotional and detailed accounts allegedly connecting the accused persons to activities that took place at the secluded compound, where several people are said to have died after being subjected to extreme fasting, isolation, and harsh living conditions.
One of the witnesses, a resident of Kwa Binzaro village, testified that he became alarmed after learning that a group of people had allegedly been confined at a location known locally as “Kwa Mama” within Kwa Binzaro.
According to his testimony, the individuals were reportedly being compelled to engage in prolonged prayer and fasting under strict conditions.
The witness told the court that he immediately alerted the village elder after receiving reports about the suspicious activities taking place at the compound.
In an emotional account before the court, the witness narrated the devastating impact the incident had on families within the community, stating that all children who were in the company of two parents linked to the incident perished during the tragedy.
He appealed to the court to ensure justice is served for his relatives and all victims affected by the Kwa Binzaro occurrences.
The prosecution also called a matatu driver operating along the Malindi–Chakama–Bofu route, who testified that he frequently transported the second accused person, Shirlyne Temba. At the same time, she ferried household materials to the area.
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The driver told the court that the materials included used iron sheets, which the accused allegedly said were intended for the construction of residential houses within the compound.
According to the witness, the second accused was often accompanied by several individuals whom she introduced as farmers and, at times, construction workers.
He further testified that most of the transport payments made by the accused were conducted through mobile money transfers. Another prosecution witness, Police Constable Isiah Barasa, attached to Lango Baya Police Station, testified that he received instructions from the officer in charge of line and discipline to accompany the Officer Commanding Station (OCS), Inspector Ali, to a crime scene at Kwa Binzaro.
PC Barasa informed the court that the security team also included the Assistant County Commissioner for Lango Baya Division, Mr. Raymond Oluoch, and the area chief, Raymond Charo. The officers reportedly travelled to the scene using a private motor vehicle.
Upon arrival, the officers found the compound surrounded by barbed wire and thorny shrubs.
According to the witness, residents informed the security team that a woman was allegedly holding people hostage within the compound.
The officer further testified that the accused allegedly delayed opening the gate for the officers, forcing the security team to make their way into the compound. However, upon entering the premises, the officers reportedly found the area deserted.
