Paul Mackenzie to face murder charges

By Peter Ochieng

Controversial cleric, Paul Mackenzie of the Good News International 'Church' will face several charges, among them murder on Wednesday.

Mackenzie has been in police custody since April, 2023 after being arrested for reportedly leading his followers 'into a fast to death to meet Jesus.' More than 400 people died.

Interestingly, the Pastor and some of his close associates were not fasting, with reports indicating that they were supposed to be the last people to take the fast, within Shakahola forest, Kilifi County.

He has not been charged since his arrest, with the prosecution every now and then appealing for more time to complete investigations.

However, he will be charged on Wednesday alongside 94 other suspects.

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Renson Ingonga on Tuesday said that Mackenzie and his co-conspirators will be charged with murder, assault, terrorism and facilitating the commission of a terrorist act.

They will also be charged with child torture, with several children having been victims of 'the fast to death to meet Jesus.'

“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 chief prosecutor said.

He directed that the suspects be presented before the High Court and Subordinate Courts on Wednesday.

“The ODPP undertakes to expeditiously prosecute the matters given the great public interest involved,” he added.

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.

“If no decision to charge the respondents will have been made after the expiry of such period, the court will consider releasing the respondents from custody on terms that will be determined by the court."