Kenya’s “Cult” Pastor, Accomplices To Remain In Custody Pending Bail Ruling
Kenyan Court has directed the controversial preacher Paul Mckenzie, his wife Rhodah Mumbua, and 16 others to remain in custody till Wednesday to allow their lawyers time to respond to the prosecution’s application to extend their detention for another 60 days.
Prosecution through Coast Deputy Regional Head, Jami Yamina, told the court that there were compelling reasons to deny the suspects bail, citing the complexity of the investigations.
Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Chief Inspector, Raphael Wanjohi, said the increase in the number of bodies being exhumed which now stands at 243, complex DNA analysis and recording of witness statements as compelling reasons to extend the detention by 60 days.
Pastor Mackenzie is accused of urging his followers to fast to death to see Jesus.
A multi-agency security team discovered shallow graves on the 800-acre stretch of land thought to be owned by the controversial pastor of Good News International Church in Malindi, coastal Kenya.
Following the finding, a full-scale investigation into the fatalities associated with the Good News International Church was immediately begun, resulting in the arrest of the sect’s leader, Paul Makenzie.
Pastor Mackenzie, who has a history of run-ins with the law, was arrested for the first time in 2017.
He was recently arraigned in court on March 23, 2023, after being arrested for the alleged death of two children who were starved to death.
The defendant was released on Ksh10,000 ($73.7) cash bond before being arrested again on April 14 and has been detained since then.
The operation was prompted by a public tip, prompting detectives to search the remote plot of ground located roughly 79 kilometres from Malindi town, where the mass graves were discovered.
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