DPP Haji Wins In Push To Seize Pastor Mackenzie's Property, Cars

Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) Noordin Haji on Wednesday, April 26 was given the go-ahead by a Malindi court to seize all assets belonging to controversial pastor Paul Mackenzie linked to the Shakahola massacre.

Malindi Principal Magistrate Ivy Wasike issued the orders allowing Haji to go after the assets of Pastor Mackenzie as well as the ones belonging to seven of his known associates who are currently in police custody.

She noted that the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) detectives investigating the case have been allowed to retrieve bank documents, title deeds, sale agreements and motor vehicle documents belonging to the eight suspects.

"Sgt. NO. 60484 Joseph Yator of DCI Malindi and any other officers working with him in the investigation are hereby authorised to seize any such property as stipulated in the execution of this warrant and bring the same before court for appropriate orders pending the completion of the investigations," ruled the Malindi Law Courts.

Magistrate Wasike however noted that the search warrant will only be valid for the next 10 days.

In addition, the search must be carried out through lead investigating officer Joseph Yator only during the day and in the presence of the suspects' counsel and authorised agents who will take a tally of any properties seized by the State.

She warned that anyone served with the order and contravened the same would be charged with contempt and would be liable for imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months or both.

Nyeri Catholic Archbishop Anthony Muheria at the same time called on the government to carry out a financial audit for all religious leaders to crack down on quack preachers fond of using controversial teachings to mislead the masses.

"It is important that we audit the wealth of all religious leaders; all of us including should be able to declare what I have in my account.

"It should be something public for all the Christians who follow my church. They should know how much I have and how much I own. That is the only way the congregation can be defended from the greed of any rogue religious leaders," he stated during a press briefing on Wednesday, April 26.

The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) also called on the government to work closely with local communities to promote awareness of the dangers of religious extremism and cultism through community outreach programs, town hall meetings, and other forms of engagement.

"KNCHR urges the community to cooperate with the authorities and provide any information that could lead to the arrest and prosecution of the culprits.

"The security agencies should be equipped with the necessary resources and training to effectively combat religious extremism and cultism. This includes providing them with modern equipment, training in intelligence gathering and analysis to avoid lapses, and enhancing their capacity to respond to emergencies," stated KNHCR.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki earlier declared a 6 pm to 6 am curfew at the Chakama Ranch, which holds the 800-acre Shakahola Forest in Kilifi County.

He also banned public gatherings for 30 days, as well as processions or movement either alone or as a group during the period of curfew into and out of Chakama Ranch except as shall be permitted, in writing, by the Kilifi County Police Commander in consultation with the Operation Commander, as the probe into Pastor Mackenzie's base of operations continues.

“The Government has set up a Public Information, Tracing, and Support Centre at the entrance to Chakama Ranch at Shakahola Village, at the turnoff from the Malindi-Sala Gate highway approximately seventy (70) kilometres from Malindi Town,” he stated.

As of Wednesday, five more bodies were exhumed, bringing the total to 95.