Controversial preacher Paul Mackenzie, along with his wife and 17 other suspects, were arraigned at the Shanzu law courts on Wednesday in connection to the Shakahola massacre, in which over 133 people have so far been confirmed dead.
Senior Principal Magistrate Yusuf Shikanda ruled that the suspects be detained for 30 days to allow detectives to investigate the deaths of suspected members of a starvation cult.
The prosecution, led by Jami Yamina, expressed dissatisfaction with the timeline given by the court, as they wanted the suspects held for at least 90 days.
According to an affidavit signed by the Investigating Officer, Inspector Raphael Wanjohi, detectives want Mackenzie and the other suspects detained because the case is evolving and there are lines of inquiry that are yet to be pursued.
The prosecution claims that new information demonstrates compelling reasons for the respondents’ continued detention while the investigation is ongoing.
The suspects will be held in various police stations across Kilifi while investigations into the cult deaths continue.
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