Shakahola massacre: Trial delayed as Paul Mackenzie skips court

The trial of 95 suspects in the Shakahola massacre of at least 429 people hit a key setback on Wednesday after key suspect Paul Mackenzie declined to attend court proceedings.

Mackenzie, the self-proclaimed pastor of Good News International Ministries in Kilifi County, is facing various charges for allegedly convincing hundreds of his followers to starve themselves to death to meet Jesus.

He refused to attend proceedings in his trial over terrorism-related charges, despite frantic efforts by his lawyer, Wycliffe Makasembo.

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

Some of the 95 suspects in the Shakahola massacre appear at the Shanzu Law Courts in Mombasa County on March 13, 2024. (Photo: Farhiya Hussein)

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

However, the prosecution opposed any adjournment, arguing that the alleged cult leader's application lacked legal grounds.

The team asserted its readiness to proceed with the case, with Senior Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Peter Kiprop, the lead prosecutor, saying the prime suspect's claims were a delay tactic.

Despite this opposition, Makasembo persisted in his plea for an adjournment, emphasising the need to resolve Mackenzie's grievances.

Shanzu Principal Magistrate Leah Juma intervened, summoning 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. The prison boss is expected to shed light on claims of Mackenzie's segregation from other suspects and the violation of his rights.

To further inform the court's decisions, the probation department was instructed to prepare bail reports, and the National Counter Terrorism Center to provide psychosocial reports for each accused individual.

Juma emphasised the importance of addressing Mackenzie's concerns while ensuring the fair and just progression of the trial.

The court will give further directions when the matter is mentioned on March 27, 2024.