By Rédaction Africa Links 24 with the-star.co.ke
Published on 2024-01-17 15:01:57
The main suspect in the Shakahola massacre, Paul Mackenzie, along with 30 others, has been charged and will be facing court proceedings in the coming weeks. The High Court in Malindi has postponed the plea-taking for Mackenzie and his co-accused for 14 days while their mental assessment is conducted. They are facing 191 counts of murder and will be appearing in court for mention and plea-taking on February 6 before Lady Justice Mugure Thande.
In addition to Mackenzie and his co-accused, 95 other suspects will also be appearing in court. They are expected to face terrorism-related charges, including engaging in organized criminal activity, radicalization, facilitating the commission of a terrorist act, and possession of an article connected with an offense, all punishable under the Prevention of Terrorism Act of 2012. The remaining 39 suspects will be charged with cruelty against children and other offenses in separate court proceedings.
As part of the legal proceedings, each of the 31 suspects, including Mackenzie, will undergo a psychiatric evaluation before their plea is taken, as directed by Justice Thande. The court also mandated the Kenya Prisons Service to provide treatment to the suspects. The issue of bond will only be discussed once the suspects have entered their pleas, and the prosecution team has indicated that they will oppose any bail or bond applications.
Mackenzie and his co-accused have been in custody for 278 days following the discovery of 429 bodies in the Shakahola forests. Director of Public Prosecutions, Renson Ingonga, has expressed satisfaction with the evidence presented and has prescribed a total of 11 counts against the suspects.
Overall, the legal proceedings for the Shakahola massacre suspects are underway, and they will be facing charges related to the horrific events that took place in the forests.
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