By Dorothy Musyoka
The High Court has ruled that controversial preacher Paul Nthenge Mackenzie and 29 others were correctly charged with 191 counts of murder in connection with the Shakahola massacre in Kilifi County.
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) noted that the court found that controversial preacher Paul Nthenge Mackenzie and 29 others were properly charged in accordance with the law and that the charge sheet was properly drafted.
“The charge as drawn will not occasion any prejudice to Mackenzie and his co-accused persons,” read the ODPP’s statement in part.
However, High Court judge Thande directed the prosecution to reduce the number of murder charges from the current 191 to only 12.
“Decreasing the number of charges will facilitate the quick delivery of justice to all parties while also saving valuable judicial time,” stated the ODPP.
“The court is also expected to hear an application by the prosecution to oppose the release of Mackenzie and his co-accused on bond,” read the ODPP’s statement.
The court directed both parties to file submissions on the prosecution’s application to oppose bond for 30 suspects on 18th July 2024.
According to the prosecution, the 30 accused persons jointly pleaded not guilty to 191 counts of murder, contrary to Section 203 as read with 204 of the penal code.
The ruling followed a preliminary objection filed by the defense counsel challenging the number of counts in the charge.
The 30 suspects are accused of committing the offences on an unknown date between January 2021 and September 2023 in the Shakahola area of Malindi Sub County within Kilifi County.