04/09/2026
DPP presents fresh evidence linking radicalisation teachings to Kwa Binzaro disappearances
The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has presented fresh evidence in the ongoing Kwa Binzaro murder trial, with five prosecution witnesses giving accounts of alleged radicalisation, religious teachings, prolonged fasting and disappearance of families believed to have travelled to the Malindi area.
At the Shanzu Law Courts, the witnesses testified before Senior Principal Magistrate Hon. Mwanamkuu Sudi, with the prosecution led by Principal Prosecution Counsel Ms. Betty Rubia.
Prosecution Witness 23, Mr. Isaiah Barasa Syakilo, a Kenya Police officer attached to Langobaya Police Station, told the court that on 18th July 2025, he accompanied the Officer Commanding Station, the Assistant County Commissioner for Langobaya Division and the area Chief to premises associated with accused person Ms. Shallyne Anindo in Binzaro area of Makongeni Sub-location, Chakama Location, Malindi.
Mr. Barasa testified that the team was joined by the Assistant Chief for Makongeni Sub-location, Mr. John Baya, and villagers who led them to the suspected crime scene.
The court heard that authorities had received information alleging that Ms. Anindo had radicalised followers and subjected them to starvation under the guise of prolonged fasting.
The witness described the compound as enclosed by barbed wire and thorny shrubs, with a gate locked from inside. Attempts by a villager, Mr. Gona Charo, to persuade Ms. Anindo to open the gate were unsuccessful, with the accused allegedly claiming that the keys had been misplaced.
The team eventually gained entry by force and found the compound deserted. Officers recovered a blue motorcycle, a blue bicycle, a wheelbarrow and assorted clothes from several houses.
Prosecution also called Ms. Meresia Adhiambo Juma, Prosecution Witness 24, who testified about the disappearance of her son, Stephen Ochieng Juma, following religious preaching at their family home.
Ms. Meresia told the court that in February 2025, five visitors, one woman and four men, visited their home for what she described as a preaching session. She identified the woman as Ann and one of the men as Kahindi.
According to the witness, Ann allegedly encouraged them to allow their children to βgo to Jesusβ, claiming she had already sacrificed her children to Jesus. She further alleged that the group encouraged followers to go into the wilderness in Malindi, pray to death and go to heaven.
The visitors also allegedly preached against education, seeking medical treatment and attending churches.
Weeks later, Stephen and two others disappeared for about three days. In March 2025, Stephen, his wife Rehema, his brother-in-law, Vivian and Vivianβs 10-year-old son also disappeared after their phones were switched off. The family later learnt they had travelled to Malindi.
Prosecution then presented evidence from Prosecution Witnesses 26 and 27, Mr. Titus Omondi Olum and Mr. Japheth Lenox Karim, concerning the disappearance of Seth Okinyi Olum, his wife Emily Adoyo Olum and their four children.
The witnesses told the court that Seth had withdrawn his children from school and later resigned from employment, allegedly under the influence of religious teachings that discouraged formal education and promoted the belief that the world was approaching its end.
Mr. Japheth further testified that his father followed Pastor Mackenzieβs teachings and expressed beliefs that the Government represented the βbeastβ referred to in the Book of Revelation.
He told the court that he lost contact with his family in April 2025. In June, an anonymous caller allegedly contacted him, asked whether he was the son of βmtumishi Sethβ and, after receiving an affirmative response, told him, βpole wametuachaβ before disconnecting.
The evidence forms part of the DPPβs case against eight accused persons, led by controversial preacher Paul Mackenzie, who are facing charges relating to radicalisation and the deaths of 52 people.
The matter will be mentioned on 15th October 2026.
