The story of the Shakahola Massacre on Friday, April 28, took a new turn when it emerged that controversial preacher Paul Mackenzie’s right-hand man, Zablon wa Yesu, was a thriving manager before he joined the Kilifi-based cult.
The life of Zablon wa Yesu can be traced back to Shirombe village in Butere, Kakamega County, as narrated by his Primary School classmate Emmanuel Swaka.
"His real name is Zablon Atanda, and he comes from our neigbouring village. I know his dad and his late mum. We were at Ebutayi Primary School together," Swaka stated.
Growing up in Shirombe, Zablon wa Yesu desired a good life that would offer him relief from the heavy weight of poverty that had caused a lot of despair in the family.
Through the lens of a classmate, Zablon wa Yesu was an above-average student who performed well in school and later proceeded to college to study security-related courses.
"He did his Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) in 1996, and passed his exams well," Swaka explained.
He later joined a local supermarket which was the largest retail outlet in the East and Central African region at the time..
At the supermarket, Zablon wa Yesu worked his way through the ranks and to the position of manager of the Security Department.
"Back then, Zablon used to live in Donholm after relocating from Kawangware where he had lived for many years and possibly met Mackenzie," Swaka stated.
Swaka further noted that the Deputy cult leader was a staunch Christian who served both God and his community.
Supermarket Connection
Zablon wa Yesu's colleague at the supermarket also expressed dismay at what became of the man who was diligent and thriving in his roles.
Boniface Areba, who worked with Zablon wa Yesu at a local supermarket, stated that he did not know how the cult leader left his job in Nairobi and chose to follow Paul Mackenzie in Kilifi.
"I'm shocked. I'm on the verge of tears yet tears are never in my eyes. Atanda worked in the internal security department of the supermarket. I know him well.
"We worked together at the supermarket from Mega, 2015-2017. Didn't know this is how it ended," Boniface Areba.
Previous media reports indicated that Zablon wa Yesu met Paul Mackenzie, the leader of the Good Life International Church, while living in Kawangware but working at the supermarket.
The friendship between Zablo wa Yesu and Paul Mackenzie blossomed into a trust that made him join his Good Life International Church in Kilifi.
Mackenzie is now at the center of a scandal that saw over 100 bodies exhumed from Shakahola Forest on Thursday, April 27.
