Shakahola trial: Mackenzie, associates deny 238 manslaughter charges

The alleged cult leader, Paul Mackenzie, and 94 other suspects have refuted 238 manslaughter charges related to the Shakahola massacre.

The group, accused of manslaughter charges at the Mombasa court, allegedly caused the deaths of 238 individuals associated with the Good News International church, headed by Mackenzie.

During their appearance before Chief Magistrate Alex Ithuku on Tuesday, the state listed all 238 counts.

The state noted that the suspects carried out the offenses between January 2021 and September 2023 at Shakahola forest in Kilifi County.

The charges suggest that the suspects jointly carried out the killings as part of a suicide pact.

Prosecutors, led by Mombasa Senior Assistant Director of Public Prosecution Peter Kiprop, oppose any bail for Mackenzie and associates.

They are charged with 238 counts of manslaughter, contrary to Section 202, as read with Section 205 of the Penal Code.

On Thursday, a total of 39 suspects will be charged before Tononoka Children’s Law Courts.

The suspects, led by Paul Mackenzie, will be charged with subjecting a child to torture, contrary to section 25 (3) of the Children Act, 2022, as read with section 5 (1) of the Prevention of Torture Act, No. 12 of 2017.

They will also be charged with several other counts of assault causing bodily harm, contrary to section 251 of the penal code, cap 63 laws of Kenya.

The suspects will also answer several counts of cruelty to a child, contrary to section 152 (1) (a) of the Children Act, 2022.

They will also be charged with infringing a child’s right to education, contrary to section 30 (1) (2), as read with section 30 (3) of the Basic Education Act, 2013.

Mackenzie and his co-accused were arraigned at the Malindi High Court last week following a directive by Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Renson Ingonga.

The court ordered Mackenzie and 30 other suspects in the Shakahola massacre of at least 428 people to undergo mental checks before they are tried in a murder case.

Judge Mugure Thande ordered that they undergo mental examinations within 14 days to assess their readiness for trial. The court expects the State to present its findings on their mental fitness.

Additionally, their plea-taking and bond application hearing were rescheduled to February 6.