A Mombasa court has ordered that Shakahola massacre suspects be subjected to a psychiatrist assessment before taking a plea.

The suspects, led by controversial preacher Paul Nthege Mackenzie, and 30 others were arraigned on Wednesday, January 17, 2024, before the High Court in Malindi, facing 191 counts of murder charges of minors.

Lady Justice Mugure Thande granted an application by Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions Victor Mule to defer the plea for 14 days pending a mental assessment of the suspects.

"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 Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) said in a statement.

The DPP however opposed any application for bail or bond, arguing that the issue of bond can only be canvassed once the suspects take plea.

95 Shakahola massacre suspects are scheduled to appear before the Shanzu law courts on Thursday, January 18, 2024, to face terrorism-related charges including 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," the DPP added.

The murder case against Mackenzie and the other 30 Shakahola massacre suspects will be mentioned on February 6, 2024, before the High Court in Malindi for plea-taking.