Court rules Mackenzie, 29 others were properly charged in Shakahola case

The High Court has ruled that controversial preacher Paul  Mackenzie and 29 others were properly charged with 191 counts of murder in the Shakahola massacre.

The ruling followed a preliminary objection filed by the defense counsel challenging the number of counts in the charge.

Judge Mugure Thande ruled that the charge facing Mackenzie and his co-accused was properly drafted and the suspects were charged in accordance with the law.

Thande stated that the charge as drawn will not occasion any prejudice to Mackenzie and his co-accused persons.

However, Thande directed the prosecution to reduce the number of murder charges from the current 191 to only 12.

She noted that decreasing the number of charges will facilitate the quick delivery of justice to all parties while also saving valuable judicial time.

She directed the DPP to amend the information containing the murder counts within 21 days and file fresh charges against them.

The court is also expected to hear an application by the prosecution to oppose the release of Mackenzie and his co-accused on bond.

Thande further directed parties to highlight submissions on the prosecution’s application to oppose bond on 18 July 2024.

The entire 30 accused persons jointly pleaded not guilty to 191 counts of murder, contrary to Section 203 as read with 204 of the penal code.

They allegedly committed the offenses on an unknown date between January 2021 and September 2023 in the Shakahola area of Malindi Sub County within Kilifi County.