Fresh evidence forces delay in cult leader Paul Mackenzie’s trial linked to 400 deaths
The prosecution requested extra time to complete investigations, stressing that the extension is intended to ensure a thorough inquiry and is not meant to cause delays or obstruct justice.
The murder trial of controversial cult leader Paul Nthenge Mackenzie and 28 others has been postponed by the High Court in Mombasa following the prosecution’s disclosure of new evidence.
On Monday, prosecutors Alex Ndiema and Victor Simbi informed Lady Justice Diana Kavedza that ongoing investigations have uncovered additional leads, which may lead to more suspects being added and an expanded list of witnesses.
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“The investigators have gathered new evidence, which will lead to the inclusion of additional suspects and more witnesses to testify against the accused,” Ndiema told the court.
The prosecution requested extra time to complete investigations, stressing that the extension is intended to ensure a thorough inquiry and is not meant to cause delays or obstruct justice.
“We wish to assure the court that this application is purely aimed at ensuring thorough investigations are conducted,” Simbi said.
They also revealed that DNA collection and analysis are still underway. According to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), this may require reviewing or amending the charge sheet, a matter to be addressed during pre-trial sessions.
Starvation
The case concerns the deaths of over 400 people in one of Kenya’s worst cult-related tragedies.
McKenzie is accused of instructing his followers to starve themselves and their children, claiming this act would guarantee them a place in heaven before the world’s end.
Lady Justice Kavedza adjourned the hearing to Wednesday, when the prosecution plans to call four witnesses. Further court directions will follow after the new evidence is formally submitted and pre-trial matters are resolved.
Meanwhile, three shallow graves containing fresh human bones and skulls have been discovered in Kwa Binzaro village, Kilifi County, raising fears of a resurgence of cult-related killings.
The county’s Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) said the victims may have died from starvation and suffocation linked to cult practices that have troubled the area in recent years.
The grim discovery follows an August 10, 2025, operation in which officers from the DCI Homicide Unit, Malindi DCI, and Langobaya Police Station recovered human remains from separate sites in Binzaro, Chakama Location, about 50 kilometres southeast of Langobaya Police Station.
A police report from Langobaya Police Station indicated that the recovered remains included a skull and jawbone, human bones from other locations, and three suspected graves.
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