A father testifying in the Shakahola massacre trial has disputed DNA results linking him to an exhumed child's remains, insisting his missing children are alive. Antony Wyclif Muhoro, 44, shared his beliefs during proceedings at the Mombasa High Court. The case involves pastor Paul Mackenzie and 29 others accused in connection with 191 deaths.
In the ongoing trial over the Shakahola massacre, Antony Wyclif Muhoro appeared as a witness before the Mombasa High Court. The 44-year-old father expressed disbelief over DNA profiling that connected him to the remains of a seven-year-old girl exhumed from Shakahola forest. He maintains that his four children remain alive, citing personal faith and dreams as his basis.
Muhoro recounted how Directorate of Criminal Investigations officers notified him in September of the DNA match. Despite this, he has neither visited the morgue holding the body nor claimed it. The prosecution presented evidence from DNA analysis and a postmortem examination, indicating a 99.99% probability that Muhoro and his wife, Millicent Oyayi Awour, are the biological parents of the child.
"Your Honour, I am a prayerful person. In my dreams, I have seen that all my children are alive," Muhoro told the court. He also mentioned that his wife, currently detained at Shimo La Tewa Prison, has assured him the children are safe and suggested he visit her for more details on their whereabouts, though she withheld specifics.
The family's ordeal began in March 2023, when Awour told Muhoro she was heading to Siaya to care for her mother but instead traveled to Malindi with the children, joining gatherings of pastor Paul Mackenzie's followers. Muhoro grew concerned after reports emerged of Mackenzie's arrest for urging followers, including children, to fast to death. He filed a missing persons report at Makongeni Police Station.
A subsequent call from Malindi Sub-County Hospital led him to his hospitalized wife, who initially could not speak. Once recovered, she explained leaving the children with a woman known as Mama Nadia, who remains unlocated. This prompted further investigation and the DNA testing now under dispute.
The trial centers on Mackenzie and 29 co-accused, charged in relation to the deaths of 191 individuals in the alleged cult activities.