The Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP) has lined up 422 witnesses to prove 238 counts of manslaughter against Shakahola massacre prime suspect Paul Nthenge Mackenzie and 94 others.
Alex Ithuku, Chief Magistrate, was also informed that in addition to the testimony of those witnesses, the DPP will provide electronic and other exhibits to strengthen the case.
The prosecution team indicated that they would provide evidence to the defence counsel, expressing confidence in their ability to prove the case beyond reasonable doubt.
Prosecution Counsel Martin Mbote, holding brief for the prosecution team, informed the court that the defence would receive a few sets of statements and exhibits being prepared by the investigators.
The defence team led by Lawrence Obonyo confirmed that investigators had served them with a bundle of statements and exhibits to be relied on by the prosecution on Monday, May 20, 2024.
Obonyo indicated that the investigators will supply them with the remaining pieces of evidence before the hearing date.
Ithuku certified the matter as ready for hearing starting on August 12 to 15, 2024, and September 9 to 12, 2024.
The court reiterated to the parties that the proceedings would be uninterrupted and conducted on the day to day basis to accord justice to all parties including Mackenzie and his co-accused who have been denied bond.
Shakahola suspects
The 40 women and 55 men associated with the Shakahola massacre were charged with 238 counts of manslaughter in violation of Section 202, as read with Section 205 of the criminal code.
They reportedly killed 238 individuals as part of a suicide pact, and others who were not in court also participated.
They allegedly committed the offences on an unknown date between January 2021 and September 2023 in the Shakahola area in Malindi Sub-County within Kilifi County.
They all pleaded not guilty to all counts of manslaughter, which were read to them for four and half hours.
Routine mention of the matter will be on June 25, 2024.
