Paul Mackenzie, co-accused to undergo mental assessment

By Peter Ochieng

Paul Mackenzie and his 30 co-accused will remain in police custody for 14 more days.

This is after a High Court sitting in Malindi on Wednesday allowed the prosecution 14 days to carry out a mental health assessment on the suspects, before they stand trial for several charges, including murder, assault, terrorism, facilitating the commission of a terrorist act and child torture.

The controversial 'Pastor' of the Good News International 'Church' was arrested in April, 2024 after reportedly brainwashing his followers in to a 'fast to death to meet Jesus.'

At least 238 children were among the 429 bodies of people exhumed from the vast Shakahola forest, in Kilifi county.

In court on Wednesday, the defense team led by Wycliffee Makasembo opposed the application to have the suspects detained for 14 more days.

However, Malindi High Court Judge, Lady Justice Thande Mugure granted the prosecution the 14 days. The matter will be mentioned on February 6, 2024.

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Renson Ingonga on Tuesday pledged to effectively prosecute the matter.

“Upon thorough analysis of the evidence, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) is satisfied that there is sufficient evidence to prosecute ninety-five (95) suspects."

“The ODPP undertakes to expeditiously prosecute the matters given the great public interest involved."

Shanzu Court on January 9, 2024 gave the prosecution until January 23 to charge Paul Mackenzie and other accused persons, lest they be set free.

Shanzu Principal Magistrate Yusuf Shikanda issued the ultimatum, citing the historic length of pre-trial detention of Mackenzie and his associates.

“As already stated in my previous ruling, this is the longest pre-charge detention in the history of the country following the promulgation of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010,” said Shikanda.