Controversial preacher pastor Paul Mackenzie has been handed a 12-month jail term for running a film studio and producing films without a valid license.
Malindi Senior Resident Magistrate Olga Onalo also gave him an additional six months for showing the films to the public via Times TV without the required operating license. These sentences will be served concurrently.
However, Mackenzie was informed that he retains the right to appeal the sentence within 14 days.
The ruling follows a recommendation by the Probation Officer who urged the court to deny Mackenzie the option of a fine.
“In relation to count two, the accused is sentenced to twelve months imprisonment, while for count three, the accused claimed ignorance regarding the need for a license from the Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) despite holding a broadcasting one,” stated the magistrate.
“This explanation, though not entirely acceptable, is considered reasonable. Ignorance of the law does not justify the offense, resulting in the conviction. In light of this, the accused is sentenced to six months imprisonment,” Magistrate Onalo added.
The charges faced by Mackenzie carry a maximum jail term of one year and an alternative fine not exceeding Ksh. 100,000.
Mackenzie was recently acquitted in another case – CR 790/17 – on charges related to activities within his church, including allegations of radicalization and running an unregistered educational institution.
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has applied to appeal the latter case, despite it being out of time.
