Controversial Pastor Paul Mackenzie will be detained for six more months. This follows a ruling by Shanzu Senior Principal Magistrate Yusuf Shikanda on Monday, September 18.
In addition, 28 other followers of the cult leader will remain in custody to allow further investigations.
By September 2023, more than 400 bodies had been exhumed from shallow graves in the piece of land in Shakahola linked to the cult leader.
According to reports by Government Pathologist Johansen Oduor, some of the deceased recovered from the graves had died of strangulation while others had died of starvation.
Also Read: Another 40 Days and Nights for Paul Mackenzie in Custody
Mackenzie’s Initial Arrest
Mackenzie has been in custody since April 15, 2023, while 28 other suspects including his wife Rhoda Maweu were arrested after they were linked to the charges against Mackenzie.
The cult leader was accused of using religion to brainwash his followers into starvation and refraining from education.
In June 2023, Mackenzie and his co-accused staged a 10-day hunger strike while in custody. When they appeared before the court for a hearing, they were weak and some fainted within the compound.
Hunger Strike and Death of Suspect
In June 19, one of the suspects died while undergoing treatment because of the hunger strike.
The strike was directed towards the Director of Public Prosecution who had earlier noted that the cult leader would be imprisoned for life.
However, on July 2, Mackenzie’s wife was released from prison on a Ksh400,000 bond. The court argued that the only accusation against her was that she had lived with the cult leader in Shakahola.
Further, it was noted that she did not participate in any of the cultic activities. Mwikamba was arrested together with her two-year-old child, who the court noted needed medical examination.
Also Read: Mackenzie’s Co-Accused Too Weak to Stand After Hunger Strike
In August 10, Shanzu Senior Principal Magistrate Yusuf Shikanda granted the State the 47 days detention period running from August 2.
According to Shikanda, the decision to continue detaining Mackenzie was because there was a likelihood that they would hamper investigations.
