Mackenzie and 95 Co-Acc Ordered to Defend in Shakahola Forest Case

A court has determined that controversial preacher Paul Mackenzie and his 95 co-accused must answer for their roles in the Shakahola forest deaths.
According to the Shanzu court, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) provided sufficient evidence to compel all defendants to present their defense. The case pertains to organized criminal activities and radicalization connected to the deaths of over 450 followers.
The court indicated that this evidence demonstrated a radicalization campaign spanning from 2020 to 2023 in Furunzi, Malindi. Followers were purportedly instructed in extreme doctrines, including fasting unto death as a path to paradise.
Mackenzie, his spouse Rhoda Mumbua Maweu, and the remaining defendants reject the terrorism-related accusations. They will now provide sworn statements and present 13 witnesses in their defense.
The DPP has also terminated a separate radicalization proceeding involving the same individuals. Mackenzie and his co-accused will still confront another legal matter concerning 52 fatalities at Kwa Binzaro in Malindi. The proceedings will proceed.