Mackenzie, 29 co-accused to remain in jail as state seeks 180 days for investigations
In a surprising turn of events, there was no hearing held on September 18 at the Shanzu law courts in the case involving controversial Pastor Paul Mackenzie and 29 other suspects.
Instead, the state presented an application requesting that Mackenzie and the co-accused be held for 180 days to allow for the completion of investigations.
The court has rescheduled the hearing of the case for October 12. Additionally, the court directed that all parties involved be served with the application, ensuring that due process is followed.
This decision means that Mackenzie and the other 29 suspects will continue to remain in jail as the legal proceedings unfold.
Defense lawyer Wycliffe Makasembo said he was not prepared for the hearing, and interested parties had not yet received the application.
Furthermore, a report by the probation department investigating the status of the suspects was also not ready at this time.
It’s crucial to note that the suspects had not been served with the necessary documentation, adding an additional layer of complexity to the case.
The Shakahola Forest massacre unfolded in April and shocked thousands. It refers to a religious cult in the Shakahola forest led by Paul Nthenge Mackenzie of Good News International Ministries.
The incident gained attention in the early weeks of April 2023 when a man contacted the police after his wife and daughter left Nairobi, Kenya, to join Paul Nthenge Mackenzie’s remote Good News International Ministries in Kilifi County and did not return.
When police entered the community to investigate, they discovered emaciated people and a lot of shallow graves.