By: Geoffrey Otieno & Gibson Kisaka
From Shakahola mass graves to Kwa Bi Nzaro: How God’s Word from Trans World Radio Kenya and SIFA FM is saving lives from false Doctrines
When the world heard of the Shakahola tragedy, Kenya stood still. More than 429 men, women, and children were found dead with over 600 still missing victims of a dangerous cult led by Paul Nthenge Mackenzie, who deceived his followers into starving themselves “to meet Jesus.”
In September less than two years later, the pain has returned and this time from Kwa Bi Nzaro, a quiet, forested village barely two kilometers from the Shakahola mass graves, all within Chakama Ranch, Kilifi County. Here, authorities have uncovered dozens of fresh mass graves, bearing the same chilling signs of cultic influence and death. So far, at least 34 bodies have been exhumed, and investigators warn that more graves remain hidden. Alongside the remains, over 100 body parts have been recovered a grim reflection of the horror that persists.
But amid the darkness, there is also light, a testimony of how God’s Word, taught through SIFA FM’s “Neno Litaendelea” (a journey Thru the Bible), is helping families know the truth, stand firm in faith, and stay alive
The Voice of John Mjimba from Kwa Bi Nzaro
In the heart of Kwa Bi Nzaro, we meet a listener named John Mjimba a man whose testimony stands as a powerful reminder of why sound doctrine saves lives. For him and other listeners they have found the truth of God’s Word and stayed away from the traps of cultic teachings
John shared his testimony during an interview with Pastor Safari Beja, the President of SIFA FM Kilifi Listeners’ Fans Club. Pastor Beja had received news of the influence of Sifa FM in the area.
“SIFA FM broadcasts from Voi reach us clearly. Through these programs like “Neno Litaendelea” (Thru The Bible) , Matumaini (Herald of Hope), and Jamvi la Gumzo. I have learned the true teachings. We now know what God says through the Bible, not what these false groups teach. It has saved us and our families.” John Said
“You see, I personally know about 30 listeners who regularly tune in to SIFA FM, most of whom are motorcycle riders. When you talk to them, you quickly realize that they don’t subscribe to the false teachings spreading in the area and yet, they are the very same people who transport members of these cult groups. It’s a clear sign that SIFA FM has kept them grounded and firm in the truth.” John testified.
For John and his small community, radio is not just a device it is a lifeline the radio broadcasts has been their spiritual lifeline.
In a place where cults prey on ignorance and spiritual hunger, the voice of truth coming through SIFA FM has been their guide. Through TWR Kenya’s flagship program, – Neno Litaendelea – (TTB Swahili) listeners are taken on a journey from book by book, chapter by chapter, from Genesis to Revelation helping them understand God’s truth in a simple, clear, and systematic way.
This consistent exposure to Scripture has given John and others the ability to discern truth from error, faith from fanaticism, salvation from deception and doctrines that lead to death.
Healing Families, Restoring Truth
It is not only “Neno Litaendelea” that has brought light to Kwa Bi Nzaro. Other TWR Kenya and SIFA FM programs such as “Matumaini” (Herald of Hope) and Dorothy’s Daily Devotion have also played a vital role in helping listeners like John Mjimba and his neighbors understand the Scriptures more deeply and anchor their faith in truth.
John especially spoke about “Jamvi la Gumzo,” SIFA FM’s family talk show that looks at everyday marriage challenges through a biblical lens. He shared how this program has changed the way many families view faith, teaching them that true Christianity builds, protects, and restores it never destroys.
The false doctrine that led to the Shakahola deaths had targeted families, convincing parents to starve their children and tear their homes apart in the name of faith thus many families perished together, driven by deception disguised as faith.
But “Jamvi la Gumzo” has done the opposite it has brought healing. Through honest, Scripture-based conversations, families in Kwa Binzaro have learned to stand on God’s Word, to love one another deeply, and to reject manipulation disguised as religion.
As John put it, these teachings have given them stability, hope, and strength reminding them that genuine faith nurtures love, unity, and life, not death.
A Call to Keep the Gospel Alive
The tragedy of Shakahola and Kwa Binzaro reminds us that silence is deadly. Where truth is absent, deception thrives. Where the Gospel is not taught, false prophets rise.
That is why Trans World Radio Kenya and SIFA FM, cannot afford to go silent. Every broadcast, every devotional message, and every Bible-based discussion has the power to save a life just like John’s.
But there’s more to be done. John’s concluding plea is simple yet urgent:
“We are asking for radios and Bibles,” John said softly. “Many of us, including myself, use our phones to listen but others have nothing. Still, they long to hear God’s Word.”
As the nation mourns those who lost their lives in Shakahola and now Kwa Bi Nzaro, we are reminded that faith without truth is fatal.
Trans World Radio’s mission to take God’s Word to every heart and home has never been more urgent.
Let us continue supporting these life-changing broadcasts.
Let us give more radios and Bibles to communities like Kwa Binzaro.
And let us never grow weary of proclaiming the true Gospel the only message that gives life, hope, and freedom.
