Kilifi controversial pastor Paul Mackenzi and 28 others will be detained for six more months pending their investigations and probation inquiry.

Mackenzie was first arrested on April 15, 2023, for allegedly telling his followers to starve themselves to death in order to “get to heaven faster”. He was also accused of using religion to brainwash members of his congregation, some of whom denounced education and getting health aid from hospitals.

The 29 of them were to know their verdict today, September 18, regarding the Shakahola massacre that led to the loss of more than 400 lives.

Since his arrest, more than 400 dead bodies of men, women, and even newly born babies have been exhumed from the Shakahola mass graves.

Mackenzie has spent more than four months in custody with the others getting arrested between May and June.

It is important to note that Mackenzi and the others are presumed innocent until proven guilty. The detention is a measure to ensure that they do not interfere with the ongoing investigations or pose a threat to the public.

The Shakahola massacre is a horrific tragedy, and the victims and their families deserve justice. The detention of Mackenzi and the others is a step towards bringing the perpetrators to justice.