Pastor Mackenzie to remain in custody for five more days

By Peter Ochieng

Controversial Pastor Paul Mackenzie and his over 10 associates, among them his wife will remain in police custody for five more days.

They will be taken back to court on Wednesday, 10th April 2023, for a ruling on prosecution's request to have them detained for 90 days as investigations against them continue.

Shanzu Senior Principal Magistrate Yusuf Shikanda said he will deliver a ruling next week.

Mackenzie was first arrested on April 15, 2023.

He was arrested after police discovered shallow graves in Shakahola forest, Kilifi County where his followers were fasting to 'death to meet Jesus.'

Over 100 followers of his Good News International (GNI) 'church' died in the process.

He is facing serious crimes of murder, counselling and aiding persons to kill themselves, aiding suicide, abduction, radicalization, genocide, crimes against humanity, child cruelty, fraud and money laundering.

On Wednesday, he was briefly released and rearrested.

His wife Rhoda Maweu was arrested this week in Mtwapa.

Earlier, Mackenzie and his wife told the magistrate that police had denied them food.

"It is true," said Mackenzie.

They also decried what they teemed as mistreatment in the hands of police.