The controversial preacher Paul Mackenzie, currently on trial for the horrific Shakahola cult massacre, has raised a chilling claim in court.
He alleged that there was a plot to assassinate him while he was in prison. This fear has led him to reject any form of special treatment, specifically concerning his meals, while incarcerated.
Allegations of a Poisoning Plot
The preacher appeared before a Magistrate, where he voiced his grave concerns about his safety. He detailed finding what he believed to be poison placed near his food container.
Mackenzie claimed he discovered harmful substances after noticing his cell door was open and staff had allegedly entered, changing lightbulbs.
He reported that he gathered particles and a water bottle containing the substance and later presented them to the court as evidence.
Following this incident, Mackenzie claimed he was isolated in his cell 24/4.
“Kosa langu na yeye [The problem between us] limetokea baada ya kwamba nimenotice ile poison walikuwa wameniwekea nikiwa kotini hapa.”
Seeking Ordinary Inmate Status
Mackenzie explained that his ‘special treatment’ in prison had made him vulnerable. He believes that isolating his food provided an opportunity for those seeking to harm him.
He is therefore seeking a court order to ensure his treatment is no longer separate from others.
“I’m seeking an order that I should be allowed to queue with others in the block. Kuwekewa chakula mahali watu wengine wote wanakula, nisiwe treated special anymore.”
He also requested that he should not be taken to hospital within or outside the prison unless he requests it through a court order, fearing an attack on the journey.
Prison Service Denies Claims
Early last month, when he first voiced the chilling claims, the Kenya Prison Service strongly rejected Mackenzie’s allegation. Prison Officer-in-Charge Abdi Willy Adan told the court he was surprised by the claims of planted items.
Adan noted that all security measures were intact and that records showed no cause for alarm during routine patrols of Block G, where Mackenzie is housed.
Adan questioned how Mackenzie acquired a sealed bottle of water, stating that the prison does not supply bottled water to inmates.
Following the preacher’s application, the court issued directions regarding his requests. The court ordered that Mackenzie be allowed to queue for food with the rest of the inmates and that his meals should not be separated.
Furthermore, he shall not be taken for treatment if he has not requested it.
Prison authorities confirmed they have sufficient security to escort him to pick up his food and return him safely to his area.
Background to the Shakahola Case
Mackenzie, a self-proclaimed pastor, stands accused of encouraging more than 400 followers to starve themselves to death.
He allegedly told members of his Good News International Church that they would reach heaven quickly if they stopped eating. The case involves 94 other suspects and is unique in Kenyan legal history.
Mr Mackenzie was arrested in April 2023 after 429 bodies, including children, were recovered from mass graves in the remote Shakahola forest.
The prosecution has stated that over 400 witnesses are expected to testify in the ongoing manslaughter trial. Mackenzie is being held at Shimo la Tewa Maximum Prison.
by moses sagwe
