Shakahola murder trial adjourned as prosecution cites new evidence
State Counsel Alex Ndiema and Victor Simbi told the court that investigators had uncovered new leads which could result in the arrest of more suspects and an expanded list of witnesses.
The High Court has adjourned the murder trial of controversial preacher Paul Nthenge McKenzie and 28 co-accused after the prosecution disclosed the discovery of fresh evidence.
Appearing before Lady Justice Diana Kavedza, State Counsel Alex Ndiema and Victor Simbi told the court that investigators had uncovered new leads which could result in the arrest of more suspects and an expanded list of witnesses.
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“The investigators have gathered new evidence that will necessitate the inclusion of additional suspects and further witnesses,” Ndiema said, adding that DNA profiling and analysis were still ongoing.
Simbi assured the court that the application for more time was not intended to delay the matter. “This request is purely to ensure thorough investigations are conducted,” he said.
The prosecution indicated that the emerging findings might require changes to the charge sheet, which would be addressed during pre-trial proceedings.
McKenzie and his co-accused are facing charges linked to the deaths of over 400 people in Shakahola Forest, Kilifi County, where followers of his Good News International Church are alleged to have starved to death in what has been described as a doomsday cult.
The bodies were discovered in mass graves between April and June 2023, prompting one of the largest criminal investigations in Kenya’s history.
The judge adjourned the hearing to Wednesday, when four prosecution witnesses are expected to testify.
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