The Kenya Prison Service has dismissed claims by controversial preacher Paul Mackenzie that his life is at risk in Shimo la Tewa Maximum Prison, where he is being held in connection with the Shakahola cult massacre.
Appearing before Tononoka Children’s Court Principal Magistrate Nelly Chepchirchir, Prison Officer-in-Charge Abdi Willy Adan dismissed Mackenzie’s allegations that harmful substances were planted in his cell, insisting that all security measures remained intact.
Adan explained that during routine patrols, including a visit on Saturday, he inspected several blocks, including Block G, where Mackenzie is held, and found no cause for alarm.
Mackenzie had also requested to be transferred to Manyani Prison, citing a change of environment, but Adan rejected the request, citing the seriousness of the charges and the high cost of transporting him for hearings.
Furthermore, Adan told the court he was surprised by Mackenzie’s allegations of planted items, noting that prisoners were always frisked before leaving or re-entering the facility.
“The prison does not provide bottled water. I want to know how the accused ended up with such items,” he said.
He presented the prison’s visitor register showing the last visit to the prison facility was on August 28, 2025. He also dismissed Mackenzie’s claim of being on a hunger strike, saying records showed the last such protest was in February.
According to him, Mackenzie, Mzee Smart Deri and Steve wa Mtwapa continued to take meals, as the other co-accused refused food since yesterday.
On communication concerns raised by the accused, Adan clarified that different categories of prisoners have designated days to contact relatives and lawyers.
He said Mackenzie’s group missed their scheduled day only because they were in court, not because they were denied access.
The prosecution, led by Jami Yamina, opposed the defence’s bid to adjourn proceedings on grounds of a hunger strike.
“This appears deliberate by the accused person to delay justice,” said Rubia, stressing that six prosecution witnesses were already in court and ready to testify.
The magistrate rejected the adjournment application, ruling that self-imposed hunger strikes were not a valid reason to stall proceedings. The court also directed that the accused be granted access to communicate with their lawyers.
As the Shakahola murder cases enter week two, so far, 16 witnesses have testified, including protected witnesses that were presented by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (ODPP).
However, Paul Mackenzie’s Lawyer Lawrence Obonyo expressed dissatisfaction with the way ODPP is presenting the witnesses.
“We are facing a bit of difficulties where you find the ODPP is not adequately prepared to bring more witnesses because we could have appreciated more witnesses to come into this matter,” said the lawyer.
The Lawyer has also raised concerns with the court on utterances made by Senior Government Officials touching on the case that are casting aspersions on their client’s credibility and ability to defend himself.
“We are a bit troubled with that, but we have raised it with the court, and we hope the court will take appropriate action,” stated the Lawyer.
Furthermore, he distanced his client from the happenings in the Binzaro area, Kilifi County, as he has been in prison for more than two years.
“The matter is still ongoing; it is an active matter in court so to bring certain suggestions that are actual in a bid to sway the court to think otherwise of our client is not permissible. We pray that this is just left out there,” he said.
The Lawyer affirmed that they are ready to handle more witnesses in the case for their client to get justice.
By Sadik Hassan
