Tag: mackenzie-news

Shanzu Court has ordered that suspected religious cult leader Pastor Paul Mackenzie and 17 others remain in custody for 39 more days pending the investigation into the Shakahola deaths.

The court ruled that the suspects be detained for a period not exceeding 47 days from August 2, 2023. This means they will be in custody until September 8, 2023.

The Director of Public Prosecution had requested for Mackenzie to be detained for another period not exceeding 47 days to allow for investigations into three matters:

• The identification of the bodies that have been exhumed in Shakahola.
• The DNA analysis of the bodies to determine the cause of death.
• The gathering of evidence to support charges against the suspects.

The prosecutor argued that the investigation was complex and that the bodies had not yet been identified. He also said that the DNA analysis would take longer than usual due to various challenges.

The court agreed with the prosecution and ordered that the suspects remain in custody. Mackenzie and his co-accused will be held at Shimo La Tewa, Kilifi and Malindi GK Prisons as recommended by the government.

Mackenzie and his co-accused are facing charges under the Terrorism Act for suspected cultic activities that have led to the exhumation of over 300 bodies in Shakahola.

In summary, a court in Kenya has ordered that suspected cult leader Pastor Paul Mackenzie and 17 others remain in custody for 39 more days pending the investigation into the Shakahola deaths. The prosecution argued that the investigation was complex and that the bodies had not yet been identified. The court agreed and ordered that the suspects remain in custody.

Paul Mackenzie, the suspected cult leader of Shakahola, preached to journalists and his aides outside the court. He quoted bible verses and told them that no one should be afraid of what befalls them, and that whoever wants to see Jesus has to undergo trials while on earth.

Mackenzie also claimed that Jesus was still with him and that is why he was glowing. He further claimed that the only sin he had committed on earth was eating and that the moment he stopped eating he would join his heavenly father.

Mackenzie’s lawyer, Wycliffe Makasembo, stopped him from making his sentiments and informed journalists that his sentiments outside the court proceedings were not to be taken seriously. He said that only the bible verses that Mackenzie mentioned should be quoted.

Mackenzie later stated that his sentiments before the court were “bullsh*t”.

Mackenzie is being investigated in connection to the Shakahola deaths, where he is believed to have forced faithful to undergo fasting to hasten their death and meet Jesus. So far over 400 bodies have been exhumed at the Shakahola forest where he resided before his arrest in March this year.

In summary, Paul Mackenzie is a suspected cult leader who is being investigated for his involvement in the Shakahola deaths. He has made a number of bizarre claims, including that Jesus is still with him and that the only sin he has committed on earth was eating. His lawyer has advised journalists not to take his statements seriously.

Two lawyers representing cult leader Paul Mackenzie and 28 other suspects have recused themselves from the case, citing frustrations in trying to access the suspects and facing threats.

Lawyers George Kariuki and Elisha Komora said they are unable to represent the suspects fairly due to the challenges they are facing.

“With the challenges that the suspects are going through and the current circumstances, I feel my conscience is disturbed,” Kariuki said.

He expressed his fears that the suspects could die even before the trial due to the poor conditions they have been exposed to.

The lawyers said they have tried to access the suspects on several occasions, but they have been denied access. They also said they have been threatened and are afraid for their safety.

“We are facing threats and we are afraid that justice might not be served,” Komora said.

The lawyers’ decision to recuse themselves has left the suspects without legal representation. It is unclear who will represent them in the upcoming trial.

The case against Mackenzie and the other suspects is based on allegations that they starved and abused their followers. The suspects have denied the allegations.

The trial is scheduled to begin on July 1st.