Nairobi — 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.

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The witness recounted the death of his four-year-old child, saying the child had repeatedly begged for milk tea before dying after prolonged fasting.

"The witness identified as J.O told the court that he had six children, aged 2, 4, 6, 13, 15 and 16 years, all of whom died at Kwa Binzaro, while four children from his first wife remained alive," read a statement by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.

According to his testimony, individuals identified as Tuva, George and Kahindi celebrated the death by proclaiming "amepenya."

J.O. also gave emotional evidence about another child who repeatedly cried out the names of family members and teachers while pleading for help before dying.

He said he wanted to intervene but was restrained by other members of the group, several of whom he identified in court.

The witness further alleged that he saw individuals identified as Tom and Kahindi suffocate victims, including a man identified as Owino, whom he claimed was still alive before the alleged act.

Pastor Paul Mackenzie and seven co-accused have denied the charges against them, and the prosecution continues to present its evidence.