A Malindi Court Monday allowed the police to hold controversial preacher Paul Nthenge Makenzi for 14 more days to allow investigators to complete investigations into the preacher’s alleged cult-like activities believed to have led to the deaths of 14 persons through starvation.
Makenzi, who is the leader of the Good News International Church, will be held in custody alongside six of his followers while another seven, who are victims of the pastor’s alleged cult-like teachings, will be held for seven days for counselling.
Chief Magistrate Elizabeth Usui cancelled a Ksh10,000 police bond granted to Makenzi in an earlier case in which the preacher was suspected to have been involved in the deaths of two minors through his influence.
She said a request by one of the victims to be released to go and continue with his prayers and fasting in Shakahola was evident enough that such activities were still going on in the area and that releasing the suspects could lead to witness interference.
In addition, the magistrate noted that although the suspects had not been charged, the court found compelling reasons to allow the police to continue holding the suspects for more days until they complete the investigations.
Sergeant Joseph Yator, in a miscellaneous application, had requested the court to allow the police to hold Pastor Makenzi and six of his followers for 30 days to complete investigations into the matter.
Senior Public Prosecution Counsel Vivian Kambaga in addition noted that the prosecution had demonstrated in the affidavits why the police believe the suspects would interfere with the investigations and applied for the cancellation of the police cash bail.
She said officers were also investigating allegations of money laundering with respect to the alleged 800 acres owned by pastor Makenzi.
Those arraigned in court included Pastor Makenzi, Robert Kahindi Katana, Alfred Asena, Sanga Stephen Muye, Gideon Mbithi Kioko, Joseph Kenga Mbogoli, Stephen Ominde Lwangu, Collins Kabae, Felix Wandera, David Mbaya, Mercy Auko, Jane Nyaboke, Paul Karisa and Allan Robiko.
Meanwhile, seven more victims of the alleged cult wererescued Sunday night and taken to the Malindi Police Station for interrogation Monday morning following an operation led by the residents of Shakahola and Adu Ward Representative Samson Zia.
