By Grace Gilo
Abdi Willy Adan, the officer in charge of Shimo la Tewa Maximum Prison, faced the Tononoka Children’s Court Principal, Hon. Nelly Chepchirchir, on allegations made by controversial preacher Paul Mackenzie, who claims his life is in danger while in custody.
According to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), Mackenzie, who is facing charges in connection with the Shakahola massacre, claimed that suspicious substances had been planted in his prison cell to harm him.
However, Adan refuted these claims, asserting that all security protocols at the facility are strictly maintained.
“The officer recounted his routine patrols of the prison, including on Saturday, when he visited several blocks. He noted that while Block B—housing Shakahola suspects—was not inspected that day, he did check Block F, which is under construction for terror-related convicts, and Block G, where Mackenzie is held,” ODPP stated.
“During the visit, Adan said he met Mackenzie in his facility, where they exchanged greetings and later Mackenzie requested to be transferred to Manyani Prison, citing a desire for a change of environment. The officer declined, explaining that because of the gravity of the charges, Mackenzie must remain in a maximum-security facility,” ODPP added.
Adan explained that transporting Mackenzie between facilities for court appearances would be costly for the government.
He further expressed surprise at Mackenzie’s allegations of planted substances, emphasizing that inmates are thoroughly searched when entering or leaving the prison.
“The prison does not provide bottled water. I want to know how the accused ended up with such items,” he said.
Additionally, Adan presented evidence from the prison’s visitor register, indicating that the last visit to the facility occurred on August 28, 2025. He also dismissed Mackenzie’s claim of a hunger strike, asserting that records show the previous such protest was in February.
Adan confirmed that while Mackenzie and two co-accused, Mzee Smart Deri and Steve wa Mtwapa, continue to eat, other co-accused have refused food since the previous day.
Addressing communication concerns, Adan clarified that different categories of prisoners have designated day slots to contact relatives and lawyers. He explained that Mackenzie’s group missed their scheduled communication day because they were in court.
The prosecution, led by Jami Yamina, Rubia Betty, J.V. Owiti, Biasha Khalifa, and Ngina Mutua, opposed the defence’s bid to adjourn proceedings on grounds of a hunger strike.
“This appears deliberate by the accused person to delay justice,” said Rubia, stressing that six prosecution witnesses were already in court and ready to testify.
The magistrate rejected the adjournment application, ruling that self-imposed hunger strikes were not a valid reason to stall proceedings. The court also directed that the accused be granted access to communicate with their lawyers.
Mackenzie and 34 others are facing charges of crimes against children.