Witness alleges followers celebrated deaths during Shakahola fasting
A prosecution witness in the Shakahola radicalization trial testified that members of the religious group celebrated the deaths of followers as successful entries into heaven. The witness recounted the tragic loss of his own children during the prolonged fasting period.
Why it matters
This testimony provides harrowing insight into the psychological manipulation and criminal activities associated with the Shakahola cult tragedy.
Listen NAIROBI, Kenya Aug 6 – A prosecution witness in the Shakahola radicalization case has told the Shanzu Law Courts that deaths within the religious group were celebrated as believers entering heaven.
Testifying as the prosecution’s 19th witness, former follower J.O. described witnessing multiple deaths while living in Shakahola between May 2021 and February 2023.
He told the court that members referred to deaths as “amepenya,” meaning the deceased had successfully entered heaven.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in