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 and J.V. Owiti made an application to have them remanded in prison since the Rescue Centre can no longer hold them.
The prosecution said it is in prison that they will undergo a mental and medical assessment and be forced to eat.
“They were rescued victims from the Shakahola Massacre, but now turned into suspects of attempted suicide,” DPP said in a statement.
Shanzu senior presiding magistrate Joe Omido will rule on the prosecution’s application on Thursday, June 15, 2023. The suspects did not take plea.
As of Monday, June 12, 2023, the number of those reported missing in relation to the Shakahola saga stood at 613 while total rescues stood at 95 according to Coast Regional Commissioner Rhoda Onyancha.
Ten more bodies were exhumed on Monday bringing the total to 284 of those who have died in Shakahola.
