In a sensational testimony before the Shanzu Law Courts on Thursday, 6th August 2026, a protected witness identified as LA claimed that she saw Pastor Paul Mackenzie transform into a snake while in Shakahola.
She testified before Senior Principal Magistrate Hon. Mwanamkuu that Mackenzie visited their homestead around 7 p.m., where his head and body transformed into a serpent, which then bit her husband.
The witness detailed how extremist teachings propagated by the accused persons allegedly led to the deaths of her six children.
Initially a member of the Voice of Salvation Church, she joined Good News International Ministries and relocated to Shakahola, convinced that Mackenzie’s doctrines represented the true path to salvation.
Corroborating earlier testimony by her husband, J.O., LA explained that followers were taught that formal education and employment were sinful.
Medical treatment was actively discouraged under the assertion that Jesus alone heals and that hospitals symbolized evil due to their serpent-and-cross emblem.
Followers were also instructed that the Huduma Namba was “the mark of the beast” and were ordered to burn their national identity cards.
While LA spared her own ID, believing she was already marked she confessed to burning her children’s birth certificates in obedience.
Despite having previously left the wilderness, the family returned following a 20-minute phone call from a jailed Mackenzie to her husband.
Speaking directly to LA, Mackenzie persuaded her that he held the souls of everyone who had been in Shakahola and claimed her late wife was waiting for them in heaven.
The call convinced them to go back to Kwa Binzaro referred to as ‘jangwani’ to fast to death in order to meet Jesus, a decision that ultimately resulted in the deaths of all her children.
