Court Orders Paul Mackenzie And 30 Others To Undergo Mental Checkup Before Murder Trials

The Shakahola massacre prime suspect, Paul Nthege Mackenzie, and 30 others were arraigned today, 17th January 2024 before the High Court in Malindi to face 191 counts of murder charges of the minors.

The prosecution team, led by Deputy Director DPP Victor Mule, however, made an application before Lady Justice Mugure Thande to defer the plea for 14 days pending a mental assessment of the suspects.

The prosecution team, comprising of DDPP, Mr. Victor Mule; SADPP, Mr. Peter Kiprop; ADPP, Mr. Jami Yamina; SPPC, Ms. Ngina Mutua and PPC, Victor Owiti informed the court that the issue of bond can only be canvassed once the suspects take plea and that the prosecution will be opposing bail/bond.

The court heard that 95 suspects will appear before the Shanzu law courts tomorrow, 18th January, 2024 to face terrorism-related charges, namely engaging in organized criminal activity, radicalization, facilitating the commission of a terrorist act, and being in possession of an article connected with an offence under the Prevention of Terrorism Act of 2012

The 95 suspects will also be charged with 238 counts of manslaughter contrary to Section 202, as read with Section 205 of the Penal Code, before the Chief Magistrate Court in Mombasa on Tuesday, 23rd January, 2024 while the 39 suspects will be charged with cruelty against children and other charges before Tononoka Law Courts on Thursday, 25th January, 2024.

In her ruling, Hon. Mugure directed that each suspect be subjected to a psychiatrist assessment and the report tabled in court before a plea is taken. The judge also directed the Kenya Prisons Service to provide treatment to the suspects.

The murder case will be mentioned on 6th February, 2024 before the High Court in Malindi for plea-taking for the 31 murder suspects.