Paul Mackenzie: State Lines Up 422 Witnesses Against Shakahola Cult Leader Ahead Of Hearing

• The case against controversial pastor Paul Mackenzie received more weight after 422 state witnesses lined up to testify
• The defense, through their lawyer Lawrence Obonyo, confirmed to the court that they had gathered enough evidence to win the case
• Chief Magistrate Alex Thuku said the sessions will be conducted in public uninterrupted to ensure families get justice

In the quest to find justice for the families of the victims of the Shakahola Massacre, the state has a lineup of 422 witnesses against controversial Malindi-based pastor Paul Mackenzie.

According to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), Chief Magistrate Alex Thuku, after hearing additional testimonies on Tuesday, May 21, said documents and electronic evidence tabled by the ODPP will also be used.

"In addition to the testimony of those witnesses, the DPP will table electronic and documentary evidence to prove the 238 accounts of murder against the 40 women and 55 men linked to deaths in the Shakahola Massacre," ODPP stated.

Tuesday court session

During the Tuesday court session, the prosecution team led by Lawrence Obonyo confirmed that they had gathered enough evidence against the accused.

"The prosecution team today confirmed supplying the evidence to the defense counsels, expressing confidence in their ability to prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt. The defense team led by Lawrence Obonyo confirmed receiving a bundle of statements and exhibits to be relied on by the prosecution," ODPP further stated.

Why the case will not be interrupted

According to the ODPP statement, the court proceedings will not be interrupted. They will be conducted on a daily basis, to ensure justice for all parties, including Mackenzie and his co-accused.

Thuku further certified that the matter is ready. The hearings were scheduled for August 12-15 and September 9-12. The case will be mentioned on June 25.

Mackenzie asks court to allow him to meet his wife

In the last court session, the controversial pastor, through his lawyer Obonyo, asked to be allowed to meet his wife Rhonda Mumbua, who is charged alongside him and detained at Shimo La Tewa Women's Prison.

Obonyo also requested that his client be provided with soap as he had been affected by a skin disease from the prison cells.

Proofreading by Nyambura Guthua, journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke

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Paul Mackenzie being taken to court on Tuesday.

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