DPP files application to detain Mackenzie, 28 followers for 6 more months
The Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) has filed a fresh application seeking court orders to detain controversial preacher Paul Mackenzie and his co-suspects for six months (180 days). In a statement on Monday, September 18, 2023, the DPP said the detention would enable the police to conclude investigations into the Shakahola massacre. Assistant DPP Jami […]
‘This too shall pass’ – Shanzu magistrate tells Mackenzie, aides after they booed prosecutor
A magistrate took his time to engage Shakahola suspected cult leader Paul Mackenzie alongside his aides after they turned violent and began chanting slogans of “Haki yetu” in court over their continued detention. In a calm demeanour, Shanzu Principal Magistrate Yusuf Shikanda called out Mackenzie’s name on Wednesday and after he answered back he began […]
Shakahola survivors to be charged with murder
41 Shakahola survivors will now be charged alongside suspected cult leader Paul Mackenzie with murder, manslaughter and other terror-related charges. Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Jami Yamina told Shanzu Senior Principal Magistrate Joe Omido that investigations have established that 41 out of the 65 people have a hand in the mysterious deaths of children […]
Shakahola victims engaging in sexual activities at rescue centres – DPP
The State has expressed fear that 65 victims, who are key witnesses in the case against suspected Shakahola cult leader Paul Mackenzie, are engaging in sexual activities at the rescue centres. The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), through Assistant DPP Yamina Jamii, informed Shanzu Senior Principal Magistrate Joe Omide that the State would be facing […]
Shakahola massacre: Gov’t suspends exhumation exercise as death toll hits 336
The government has suspended the exhumation of bodies at Shakahola forest, even as the death toll hit 336 on Friday, June 16, 2023. The government has suspended the exhumation exercise to prepare for autopsy examination on the bodies already exhumed. 10 more bodies were exhumed on Friday, while no rescues were made. As a result, […]
2 lawyers withdraw from Paul Mackenzie’s case
Two lead lawyers in the case of controversial preacher Paul Mackenzie have withdrawn from the case. The lawyers, George Kariuki and Elisha Komora, have cited frustrations in accessing the preacher who is in detention alongside his co-accused. “With the challenges that the suspects are going through and the current circumstances, I feel my conscience is […]
65 Mackenzie followers charged for absconding meals after rescue from Shakahola
65 followers of controversial preacher Paul Mackenzie have been charged with attempting to kill themselves by absconding meals while at Sajahanadi Rescue Centre in Mtwapa. The 65, charged before Shanzu courts, are among the followers of Mackenzie who were rescued from Shakahola Forest in Kilifi while attempting to fast to death. Prosecution through Jami Yamina […]