Paul Mackenzie, a controversial preacher, along with 94 others implicated in the Shakahola massacre case, have appealed for basic hygiene necessities such as soap, citing skin conditions they’ve developed due to poor prison conditions. Their legal representative, Lawrence Obonyo, conveyed their plea, indicating a rash outbreak among the detainees due to a shortage of bathing soap. Mr. Obonyo emphasized the detainees’ right to proper care under state custody and urged the authorities to provide adequate hygiene facilities.
Additionally, Mackenzie sought permission from the court to meet his wife, Rhoda Mumbua Maweu, who is also detained in connection with the same charges. Their lawyer highlighted the necessity for the couple to discuss family matters concerning their children, underscoring Mackenzie’s request for an order to facilitate this meeting. While the specifics of their conversation were not disclosed, it was emphasized that the couple had not had sufficient time to address family concerns.
Furthermore, Mackenzie expressed a need for a change in his detention environment due to mental distress. His lawyer indicated this request, citing the importance of providing a conducive atmosphere for Mackenzie’s well-being.
In response to these requests, the magistrate agreed that the couple should be allowed to meet for the sake of their children and instructed the prison authorities accordingly. Additionally, the magistrate emphasized the importance of humane treatment towards Mackenzie.
Mackenzie and his co-accused face numerous manslaughter charges related to the deaths of hundreds of members of the Good News International Church in the Shakahola forest. They are accused of jointly causing the deaths of 238 individuals as part of a purported suicide pact between January 2021 and September 2023.
Despite pleading not guilty to all charges, they remain in custody pending the conclusion of their trial. The court rejected their application for temporary release on bond, citing the seriousness of the charges and the risk of flight, given their lack of permanent residence and concerns about witness tampering.
The prosecution has requested additional time to organize evidence before the trial begins, with the court aiming to commence witness testimony in May. The case is set to be mentioned again on May 13th.
