Kwa Binzaro trial: Witnesses recount radical teachings, family disappearances

Jukwaa

📻 Breaking It Down

Five prosecution witnesses testified before Shanzu Senior Principal Magistrate Mwanamkuu Sudi, giving accounts of alleged religious indoctrination, the abandonment of formal education and medical treatment, prolonged fasting and the disappearance of followers said to have been influenced by religious teachings.

The evidence forms part of the Director of Public Prosecutions’ case against eight suspects, including controversial preacher Paul Mackenzie, who are facing charges arising from the deaths of 52 people and allegations of radicalisation.

Principal Prosecution Counsel Betty Rubia led the prosecution during the hearing.

📌 What You Need to Know

One of the witnesses, Kenya Police officer Isaiah Barasa Syakilo, told the court that authorities were alerted to a compound in the Binzaro area of Makongeni Sub-location, Chakama Location, where followers were allegedly being subjected to radicalisation and starvation disguised as prolonged religious fasting.

Barasa, a police officer attached to Langobaya Police Station, said he visited the premises on July 18, 2025, alongside the Officer Commanding Station, the Assistant County Commissioner for Langobaya Division and the area chief.

The team was later joined by Makongeni Assistant Chief John Baya and villagers who led them to what authorities suspected was a crime scene associated with accused person Shallyne Anindo.

The officer said the team had received information that Ms Anindo had allegedly radicalised followers and subjected them to starvation in the name of prolonged fasting.

Barasa described the compound as enclosed by barbed wire and thorny shrubs, with a gate that was locked from the inside.

He said a villager, identified as Gona Charo, attempted to persuade Ms Anindo to open the gate but was unsuccessful.

📰 Source: Capital FM Kenya

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