A controversial Malindi televangelist and his wife, who were charged with promoting radicalisation in their church, have been released on a cash bail of Sh100,000 each.
Chief Magistrate Julie Oseko allowed Mr Paul Makenzi and his wife Joyce Mwikamba to deposit a bond of Sh500,000 each with surety of similar amount in default of the cash bail.
BAIL
However, Dr Oseko ordered them to report to the officer commanding station (OCS) at Malindi every seven days.
Their bail could be cancelled if they interfere with investigations, she said.
Prosecution Counsel Alice Mathangani had urged the court to deny the pastor bail, arguing that investigations were still ongoing and the prosecution could prefer more charges.
The couple is accused of failing to provide basic education to their three children and offering basic education in an unregistered school at Good News International Ministries Church.
The offences are said to have been committed on diverse dates between August 28 and September 29 at the church.
RESCUED
The court has released 19 other people, who had been detained alongside the couple for 15 days, without preferring charges on them.
The prosecution, through Corporal Collins Barasa, said investigations had established the 19 suspects were innocent.
The officer further said that 93 children, who were rescued during the operation, have been taken to various children and remand homes for care and counselling.
The children are aged between four and 13 years.
The charge against the couple stated that they knowingly and unlawfully promoted extreme beliefs to facilitate ideological religious and social change at their church in Furunzi area.
The magistrate said the case needs to be expedited as it involves children that need care and protection. She set the hearing for November 8 to 17.
