Mackenzie and 38 Co-Accused Ordered to Receive Witness Statements in Child Torture Case

A Mombasa court has directed Paul Mackenzie, the prime suspect in the Shakahola massacre, and his 38 co-accused to be served with witness statements in a children's cruelty and torture case. The court made this decision on Monday after Mackenzie's lawyer failed to appear in court.

Principal Magistrate Nelly Chepchirchir further directed the prosecution to serve the accused with all exhibits it will rely on in its case. The 38 co-accused are the parents of child victims rescued from the Shakahola forest in Kilifi County after Mackenzie allegedly convinced his followers to starve themselves to death to meet Jesus.

The court denied the accused persons bond, citing the nature of the offenses and the need to safeguard the best interests of the child witnesses. "The accused persons shall remain in custody until their case is heard and determined," Magistrate Chepchirchir ruled.

Why this matters: The Shakahola massacre, where at least 429 people died, has shocked Kenya and the world. The court's decision to expedite the child cruelty and torture case against Mackenzie and his co-accused highlights the severity of the alleged crimes and the importance of ensuring justice for the young victims.

Mackenzie and his co-accused were charged with 17 counts of offenses under various acts, including two counts of subjecting a child to torture, nine charges related to cruelty against a child under the Children Act of 2012, and six counts of violating a child's right to education under the Basic Education Act of 2013. All 39 accused persons have denied the charges.

The prosecution team includes senior and principal prosecution counsels. The matter has been fixed for a mention on May 2, 2024, to confirm affidavits of service and set a hearing date. The court indicated that it would expedite the hearing of the case to ensure all parties were accorded justice.

Key Takeaways

• Mombasa court orders Paul Mackenzie and 38 co-accused to be served witness statements.
• Accused denied bond, to remain in custody until case is heard and determined.
• Accused charged with child cruelty, torture, and violation of right to education.
• Prosecution team includes senior and principal counsels; case set for mention on May 2, 2024.
• Court to expedite hearing to ensure justice for young victims of Shakahola massacre.