By Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Daily Nation
Published on 2024-01-23 16:57:23
Controversial preacher Paul Mackenzie and 94 other individuals have pleaded not guilty to 238 manslaughter charges relating to the Shakahola massacre.
The suspects, including Mackenzie, were accused of manslaughter in the deaths of 238 individuals, presumed to be members of the Good News International church, which Mackenzie leads.
The suspects appeared before Mombasa Chief Magistrate Alex Ithuku on Tuesday for the reading of all 238 counts, one by one. This process took about four hours, representing the victims who perished in the Shakahola forest. The charges outlined that the suspects, in pursuit of a suicide pact, jointly killed 238 individuals. The bodies of the deceased were identified through DNA analysis.
The state maintains that the crimes were committed between January 2021 and September 2023 in the Shakahola forest, Malindi, Kilifi County. The prosecution team led by Mombasa Senior Assistant Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) Peter Kiprop opposed any attempt to release Mackenzie and his associates on bond.
In addition to the murder charges at Malindi court and terror-related offenses at the Shanzu court, the suspects are also scheduled to face charges relating to the rights of children at the Tononoka Children’s court in Mombasa. Mackenzie and his associates will be charged with child torture, assault, causing bodily harm, cruelty to children, and infringing a child’s right to education.
Furthermore, Mackenzie and 30 others are expected to plead regarding the murder of 191 children before the Malindi court next month.
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