Controversial pastor and cult leader Paul Mackenzie and his fifteen co-accused will remain in police custody for 47 more days to allow further investigation, Shanzu Law Courts Magistrate Yusuf Shikanda has ruled.
Mackenzie’s and his co-accused appeared in court for a mention of their case after their days in custody ended as earlier ruled.
The prosecution had filed an application before the court seeking to have the accused detained for more days to allow more investigations.
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The religious linked to the infamous Shakahola massacre has been in police custody for more than three months now.
His defense argued that their client should be set free as he has a right to be released on bond.
They further cited inhuman treatment of their client. Pastor Mackenzie complained of mistreatment at the hands of police who he accused of denying him together with his co-accused.
Paul Mackenzie Court Drama
Mackenzie and his co-accused created a scene in court as they chanted “Haki yetu – our right” demanding that the courts respect their rights and end their suffering behind bars.
“I have gone for two days without eating and taking a bath because I have been locked 24/7 in a dark room.
The authorities are the ones directing that I am treated this way, so I wonder who will save me?” said Mackenzie.
In his ruling Magistrate Yusuf Shikanda, allowed the prosecution application to have Mackenzie and his allies further detained commencing the day of the ruling.
”The application by the State for extension of custodial orders is allowed to the extent that the 1st to 17th respondents in Misc. Criminal Application No. E077 of 2023, all the respondents in Misc. Criminal Application No. E101 of 2023 with the exception of the 7th respondent who is since deceased and the respondent in Misc. Criminal Application No. E130 of 2023 shall be remanded in custody for a further period NOT EXCEEDING 47 days from 2/8/2023,” Magistrate Yusuf Shikanda ruled.
Also Read: Mackenzie & Co-Accused Too Weak to Stand After Hunger Strike
Police arrested Pastor Paul Mackenzie of the Good News International and detained for accusations that he was involved in the deaths of over 400 people in a cultic manner in Shakahola, Kilifi County.
More than 425 people have been confirmed dead in the latest government report with over 600 people still missing.
