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Shakahola massacre: Paul Mackenzie's lawyer skips court in terror case

Self-proclaimed pastor Paul Nthenge Mackenzie walks to the Shanzu Law Courts in Mombasa on January 18, 2024. (Photo: AFP)

By Farhiya Hussein | 27 Mar 2024

Lawyer Wycliffe Makasembo was required in court on Wednesday following Mackenzie's March 13, 2024 refusal to attend proceedings in his trial.

Self-proclaimed pastor Paul Mackenzie's lawyer failed to appear at the Shanzu Law Courts in Mombasa County on Wednesday, where his client is facing terror-related charges.

Mackenzie is facing this and other charges over the deaths of at least 429 of his followers, at the Good News International Ministries in Kilifi County, whom he is accused of convincing to starve themselves to death to meet Jesus.

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Lawyer Wycliffe Makasembo was required in court on Wednesday following Mackenzie's March 13, 2024, refusal to attend proceedings in his trial.

Makasembo highlighted Mackenzie's alleged mistreatment by prison authorities, including segregation and discrimination, saying they prevented him from interacting with other suspects.

To address these issues, he proposed a meeting involving the prosecution, the defence, investigators, and prison officials.

However, the lawyer failed to attend the court session on Wednesday, prompting Shanzu Principal Magistrate Leah Juma to reiterate their need to appear, as per Article 50 of the Constitution, as the charges are grave.

The court indicated it would grant the defence counsel another chance to appear in court because proceeding with the case in their absence would amount to a violation of the accused's fundamental rights.

Mackenzie asked the court to adjourn the mention of the matter until Makasembo was present.

The court also heard that the National Counter Terrorism Centre and Probation and Aftercare Service require time to prepare their reports.

The case will be heard on April 3, 2024, when further directions will be issued.

On March 13, Shanzu Principal Magistrate Leah Juma summoned the officer in charge of Shimo la Tewa Prison to explain Mackenzie's alleged mistreatment and segregation.

Chief Inspector Raphael Wanjohi, the investigations officer, was tasked with addressing allegations of abduction while the prison boss was expected to shed more light on the claims.