Trapped in Shakahola's shadow: Mackenzie's wife fights for freedom

 

Rhodah Maweu sits outside the Shanzu Law Court, a picture of grief under the unforgiving sun. Her black coat and dress clash with the bright January sky, mirroring the discordance that has consumed her life.

Despite the "Happy New Year" greetings, a forced grin betrays her true sentiment - this year has been anything but joyous.

Maweu, the wife of accused cultist Paul Mackenzie, waits anxiously for a court ruling that could extend his detention by another 180 days. Their fairytale Kamba marriage, built on faith and family, lies shattered amidst the horrors unearthed in Shakahola forest. Over 429 lives exhumed, her husband implicated, she has become collateral damage.

Nine months of court appearances have etched lines of exhaustion on her face. In an exclusive interview, she reveals the crushing burden of the Shakahola case. "This case has really affected me... I don't know what the future holds, but I pray to be cleared of the allegations."

The stress is palpable. She describes the emotional and physical toll, the travel restrictions, the unemployment. "Without support from my family, I would have fallen into depression," she confesses, her voice raw with vulnerability.

Though cleared of direct involvement, she remains entangled. Her life stagnates under house arrest, a constant reminder of the tragedy that stole her peace. But even in the face of despair, resilience flickers. "I want to work, support myself. I want my life back," she declares, a defiant spark in her eyes.

Despite everything, she stands by Mackenzie, the father of their child, even as questions loom about his past. However, she clarifies, "I lived with him as my husband... not as a pastor." Their idyllic honeymoon phase, abruptly cut short, leaves her entangled in a web of uncertainties.

Does she regret meeting him? "People meet because of God's grace," she replies, her voice tinged with a mixture of acceptance and sorrow.

Maweu's story is a poignant commentary on the ripple effects of tragedy. A victim of circumstance, she fights for her own exoneration, her freedom, and the right to reclaim her identity. Her journey, while harrowing, is a testament to the human spirit's unwavering strength in the face of unimaginable darkness.

BY CHARLES MGHENYI