Controversial preacher Paul Mackenzie and his co-accused persons in the Shakahola massacre case arrived at the High Court in Mombasa to know the fate of their bond applications.

Some of the followers of Mackenzie’s Good News International Ministries however appeared weak and emaciated.

Some seemed unable to stand in the dock and it was alleged that they were on a hunger strike and had not eaten for the last three days.

High Court Judge Alex Ithuku instructed them to stay in the court’s holding area and be represented in the proceedings by their lawyer.

During last week’s court appearance, Mackenzie and 38 of his co-accused persons were charged with 17 counts among them subjecting children to torture, assault, cruelty, and infringing a child's right to education.

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions said it was seeking to have the court deny the suspects bond on grounds that they are flight risks.