State seeks to hold Mackenzie for 60 more days in probe over indoctrination

In an application seeking for extension of time, the state says they are yet to conclude investigations and need more time.

Piece by: The Star Reporter
News

• Kindiki said Mackenzie had hired armed criminals to supervise the followers who were starving.

Pastor Mackenzie appears in court.

The state is now seeking 60 additional days to remand Pastor Paul Mackenzie, saying they are yet to complete investigations.

In an application seeking for extension of time, the state says they are yet to conclude investigations and need more time.

“Judicial remand for an extended period of 60 days is the least period possible within which investigations to be completed under the prevailing circumstances and constitutes the least restrictive means of preserving the Integrity of the delicate investigation,” reads court papers.

They claim that there has been no change in circumstances in favour of the release from custody of Mackenzie and 17 other suspects since the ruling of the court on May 10 when they were remanded.

“There still exist compelling reasons to deny them bail pending completion of investigations and there is a high likelihood that serious charges against the suspects,” reads court documents.

Last month, Senior Principal Magistrate Yusuf Shikanda allowed the police to hold Mackenzie, his wife Rhoda Maweu, and 16 other co-accused persons in connection with the deaths of over 240 persons exhumed from Shakahola forest.

The DPP and the DCI had requested at least 90 days to probe the suspects.

According to CS Kindiki followers of Pastor Paul Mackenzie who changed their minds after they started to starve were killed.

Kindiki said Mackenzie had hired armed criminals to supervise the followers who were starving.

"In the event somebody would change their mind, they would be hit by a blunt object or strangled to death by the supervisors," he said.

The CS told senators most victims died of starvation but a good number died of injuries inflicted on them by blunt objects or lack of oxygen.

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