Court Denies Paul Mackenzie, 94 Others Bail: "They Have No Permanent Place Of Residence"

• Paul Mackenzie was arrested over the cultic deaths of at least 429 people in the Shakahola Forest
• The prosecution differed with the accused persons' plea for bail terms, saying they were flight risks
• The court agreed with the prosecution and denied the 95 accused persons bail on the grounds of the gravity of the charges and lack of permanent abode

Michael Ollinga is a journalist at TUKO.co.ke with over 10 years of experience covering courts and crimes, special reports, and current affairs in Kenya.

A Mombasa court has denied bail to controversial preacher Paul Mackenzie after he pleaded not guilty to various charges.

Who is Paul Mackenzie?

Mackenzie, the founder of Good News International Church, which is linked to the deaths of over 429 people in Shakahola Forest, was charged with manslaughter alongside 94 accomplices.

The 95 are facing 238 counts of manslaughter before Shanzu Magistrates Court.

In his ruling, Chief Magistrate Alex Ithuku agreed with the prosecution that Mackenzie and his co-accused lack a permanent place of abode.

Therefore, having them attend court as required would be difficult because their homes are either unknown or temporary.

Ithuku added that the prosecution had given compelling reasons justifying why the accused did not qualify for bail.

Prosecution's case against Paul Mackenzie

"The prosecution has demonstrated that the suspects face serious charges and have a high chance of absconding. They are also in a position to interfere with witnesses if released on bail," the magistrates stated.

The court directed that the suspects continue to stay in custody until their case is heard and determined.

The prosecution applied to oppose the release of the suspects on bond, arguing that they were flight risks and lacked a permanent abode.

The DPP further argued that the gravity of the charges Mackenzie, his wife, Rhoda Mumbua and others were facing would make them abscond or escape potential penalty if found guilty.

How many were charged alongside Paul Mackenzie?

Those facing the charges include 55 men and 40 women.

"They are aware of the weight of the prosecution's case against them and are likely to jump bail if let out of custody," added the prosecution.

The prosecution's concern was that most of the witnesses were Mackenzie's followers and would be easily compromised by the accused.

According to the prosecution, Mackenzie's two convictions in previous matters justified his denial of bail.

All the suspects have denied the charges levelled against them and have been in custody.

The matter will be mentioned for a pretrial hearing on April 25, 2024.

A report released this year showed Mackenzie enjoyed privileges like having a mattress, unlike his co-accused.

The report by the Kenya National Commission for Human Rights also showed that police officers overlooked the whistleblower of the Shakahola Forest massacre.

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Paul Mackenzie appears in court under heavy security

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