Court grants Mackenzie supervised prison meeting with wife

Cult leader Paul Mackenzie and his wife, Rhodah Mumbua, have been granted permission to meet under strict supervision within the confines of the prison.

A Mombasa Magistrate Court on Thursday afternoon allowed Mackenzie, his wife and children to meet to discuss family matters.

Mackenzie has been behind bars for more than one year from April 15, 2023.

Mackenzie, along with 94 co-accused individuals (comprising 40 women and 55 men), are being accused in connection with the deaths of 429 people from starvation in Shakahola.

They face a total of 238 counts of manslaughter under Section 202, as per Section 205 of the penal code.

Allegedly bound by a suicide pact, they are accused of jointly causing the deaths of 238 individuals, including those not currently on trial.

Mombasa Chief Magistrate Alex Ithuku, who is presiding over the case, granted Mackenzie's plea for a meeting with his spouse.

"I see no objections on the part of the state. They need to make some decisions around their children and family," said Ithuku.

However, the court has summoned the officer in charge of Shimo La Tewa prison to guide Mackenzie's request for a cell transfer.

At the same time, the prosecution has been granted additional time to organise exhibits and witness statements related to the Shakahola manslaughter case.

Chief Magistrate Ithuku approved the prosecution's request to separate these materials from other evidence about three additional cases involving Mackenzie and his co-accused.

The prosecution team informed the court that they needed two weeks to complete the meticulous task of arranging the exhibits and statements according to each specific case.

Furthermore, it was agreed upon that each of the three defence counsels would receive a copy of the prosecution's exhibits and testimonies for their respective clients.

Chief Magistrate Ithuku also said that the case's proceedings will be conducted daily to ensure fair treatment for Mackenzie and his co-accused, all of whom have been denied bail.