Court Intervenes After Mackenzie & Followers Stage 3-Day Hunger Strike
Some seemed unable to stand in the dock and it was alleged that they were on a hunger strike and had not eaten for the last three days.
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The High Court has ordered that controversial cult leader Paul Mackenzie and his followers be taken to hospital after staging a hunger strike while in custody.
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) indicated in a statement on Tuesday, February 20 that Mombasa Law Courts Chief Magistrate Alex Ithuku made the directive after the accused arrived in court appearing weak and emaciated.
Some seemed unable to stand in the dock and it was alleged that they were on a hunger strike and had not eaten for the last three days.
Controversial cult leader Paul Mackenzie and co-accused presented before a High Court in Mombasa on February 20, 2024. /PHOTO
Meanwhile, the prime suspect, Mackenzie could be seen maintaining a steady sitting position while the co-accused exhibited feeble gestures.
"Hon. Ithuku’s directive comes after an application by the prosecution seeking to have the accused persons examined by a medical practitioner on their nutrition and health condition.
"The prosecution in their application indicated that there was a need for an urgent intervention measure to rescue the accused persons, who are reported to have been on a hunger strike for several days," the ODPP's statement read in part.
Principal Prosecution Counsel, Alex Gituma and Prosecution Counsels Victor Simbi and Yassir Mohamed argued that Sections 13 and 15 of the Persons Deprived of Liberty Act provide for the right to nutrition, diet and health care by a medical practitioner or nutritionist.
In the same application, the prosecution notified the court that they are opposed to the release of the accused persons on bond since they are flight risks having abandoned their homes for Shakahola forest and the state would be in pain to locate them if released.
The prosecution added that the accused persons are glaring at severe sentences if found guilty of the offences, thus releasing them would likely see them abscond court.
"The prosecution further notes that Mackenzie and his co-accused are likely to interfere with key witnesses including children, whom they have immense control and influence over," added the statement.
Magistrate Ithuku directed a social inquiry report on the current condition of the accused to be filed in court to guide it in a further direction.
ODPP on January 16, 2024, approved 10 charges against 95 suspects linked to the death of 429 people in the Shakahola Massacre, including Mackenzie.
This followed an injunction issued by the courts to press charges against them or release them following the massacre.
DPP Renson Mulele Ingonga revealed that he was satisfied that there is sufficient evidence to prosecute the 95 suspects linked to the heinous crime that targeted people believed to be members of the Good News International Church.
The charges include murder, radicalization, child torture, manslaughter and cruelty.
