In a significant ruling, Mombasa Chief Magistrate Alex Ithuku has denied controversial preacher Paul Mackenzi and his 94 co-accused bond in their manslaughter case. The decision comes after careful consideration of the circumstances surrounding the case.
Chief Magistrate Ithuku emphasized the concerns raised by the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) regarding potential witness interference, particularly given that many of the witnesses are children and followers of Mackenzi. He underscored the gravity of the 238 charges, highlighting that a conviction could result in a life sentence.
Furthermore, the court expressed reservations about the accused persons’ potential flight risk, given the seriousness of the charges. Without concrete evidence of their permanent residence, there are concerns about their ability to be traced if they fail to appear for court proceedings.
The case is scheduled to be mentioned on April 25, 2024, for pretrial proceedings, marking a pivotal moment in the legal proceedings against Mackenzi and his co-accused.
