Mackenzie’s Action in Court Shocks Kenyans

Riots were witnessed in court after Shakahola massacre suspect Paul Mackenzie and 29 others rioted demanding to know their fate.

Mackenzie has been accused of manipulating people through skewed, extreme religious teachings and fear of the unknown in pursuit of salvation, leading to the deaths of many of his followers.

He was first arrested for allegedly preaching a doctrine that encourages his followers to starve themselves to death in order to reach heaven faster.

The High Court had allowed police to continue detaining Mackenzie for a month so as to complete investigations in his alleged cult activities.

Mackenzie was in custody alongside his wife and 16 other people arrested in the ongoing investigations on over 240 deaths of people believed to have starved in Shakahola forest.

Prosecutors had wanted them detained for 3 months to enable police conclude investigations on their role in the shocking religious cult activities but the court said three more weeks are enough.