A Kenyan court has directed controversial pastor Paul Mackenzie and 94 others to be taken to hospital after staging a fresh hunger strike.
In a statement, the Officer of the Director of Public Prosecution (ODPP) said that the Mombasa Chief Magistrate issued the order following an application by the prosecution seeking to have the accused persons examined by a medical practitioner on their nutrition and health condition.
The prosecution stated in their application that there was a need for immediate intervention measures to rescue the accused, who are said to have been on a hunger strike for several days.
“Principal Prosecution Counsel Alex Gituma and Prosecution Counsels Victor Simbi and Yassir Mohamed argued that sections 13 and 15 of the Persons Deprived of Liberty Act provide for the right to nutrition, diet and health care by a medical practitioner or nutritionist,” said the ODPP.
In the same application, the prosecution opposed the accused persons’ release on bond, claiming they are flight risks.
The prosecution added that the accused face severe sentences if found guilty of the offences, so releasing them would likely see them abscond court.
The prosecution also noted that Mackenzie and his co-accused are likely to interfere with key witnesses, including children, over whom they wield enormous power and influence.
Mackenzie is linked to the death of more than 400 people within the Shakahola forest in Kilifi County.
The founder of Good News International Ministries is accused of urging followers to starve to death to see Jesus.
