Shakahola Massacre: Court Directs New Charges Against Mackenzie Following Fresh Evidence

In a hurry? Here’s a quick summary…

  • Paul Mackenzie and 38 co-defendants are facing new charges related to child cruelty and torture in connection with the Shakahola massacre, including 17 counts based on newly discovered evidence such as witness statements, and video and audio exhibits.
  • The suspects, including parents of children rescued from the Shakahola forest, will appear before the Tononoka Children’s Court on June 4, 2024, to face charges under the Children Act 2012, Prevention of Torture Act 2017, and Basic Education Act 2013.
Paul Mackenzie of Shakahola Massacre
Paul Mackenzie and other Shakahola suspects before court. PHOTO/ ODPP

Controversial preacher Paul Mackenzie and 38 of his co-defendants will face new charges in the ongoing case involving allegations of child cruelty and torture in connection with the Shakahola massacre. 

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecution announced on Friday that fresh charges have been brought against the 39 suspects, who will appear before Tononoka Children’s Court Principal Magistrate Nelly Chepchirchir next month. 

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The charges are based on newly discovered evidence linking them to 17 counts of torture and cruelty against children.

The evidence includes witness statements, video and audio exhibits, and forensic and expert reports. 

The hearing was initially scheduled for Friday but had to be rescheduled due to the absence of Mackenzie’s lawyer, Wycliffe Makasembo. 

The magistrate instructed the prosecution to inform the defense attorney of the next hearing date and production order for all accused.

The hearing date is now set for June 4, 2024, and the accused will be joining virtually from Shimo La Tewa Maximum Security Prison. 

The court emphasized the importance of expediting the case to ensure justice for all parties involved. 

Last week, Mackenzie was served with witness statements and exhibits in the case.

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Mackenzie and his 38 co-defendants, who are parents of children rescued from the Shakahola forest, face 17 charges under various acts including the Children Act 2012, the Prevention of Torture Act 2017, and the Basic Education Act 2013. 

The charges range from child torture to cruelty and infringement of children’s rights to education. All the accused have denied the charges.

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