The Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI) is currently conducting an inquiry into a letter authored by cult leader Paul Mackenzie, instructing his followers to undergo a fasting regimen even while they are in custody.
Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions, Jami Yamina, reported that the letter in question, dated July 22, 2023, came to the authorities’ attention when it was intercepted during a routine security check at Shimo La Tewa Maximum Prison.
The DCI has revealed that the contents of the letter include religious directives advocating fasting to the point of death.
Chief Inspector Raphael Wanjohi, who serves as the lead investigator in the Shakahola massacre case, affirmed in a sworn affidavit that the letter exposes Mackenzie’s extreme religious beliefs. These beliefs align with the accounts provided by witnesses and the recruitment activities linked to Mackenzie.
Wanjohi remarked, “The letter conveys a disturbing impression that the author and the other co-accused individuals remain deeply indoctrinated and resolute in their commitment to fulfilling their mission of fasting to the point of death.”
The authorities suspect that Kelvin Sudi Asena, who also goes by the alias Alfred Asena and is a close associate of Mackenzie, is the one responsible for composing the letter. The police have indicated that the letter received Mackenzie’s approval.
Asena is frequently observed sitting alongside Mackenzie during court proceedings and engaging in consultations with him.
Investigator Wanjohi further noted that the letter has been sent to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) for forensic analysis to confirm Asena as the letter’s author.
These revelations emerged during the hearings for a state application seeking an extension of the detention period for Mackenzie and his 27 co-accused associates by an additional six months.
The upcoming court appearance has been scheduled for October 19, during which further guidance on the case’s progress will be provided.
