Kenya to isolate preacher Paul Mackenzie in prison
Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen vows strict custody to prevent radicalisation of inmates following Shakahola massacre conviction.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen announced on Sunday that controversial preacher Paul Mackenzie will be held in exclusive custody to prevent him from radicalising other prisoners. Murkomen stated that the government would provide a secluded area for Mackenzie, who was recently sentenced to 200 years for his role in the Shakahola deaths, to serve his sentence. This measure follows intelligence reports that Mackenzie had attempted to radicalise fellow inmates and police officers.
The decision aims to stop the preacher from spreading extremist religious teachings or influencing vulnerable prisoners, with concerns that they might adopt his methods and establish similar movements. Justice Diana Kavedza-Mochache sentenced Mackenzie to 100 years for 183 counts of murder by starvation and eight counts of direct homicide, to be served consecutively. 28 co-accused also received sentences ranging from 10 to 160 years.
The Shakahola tragedy, which involved the deaths of 191 people including 190 children, came to light in 2023 when mass graves were discovered in Kilifi County. Murkomen commended the ODPP, DCI, and the Judiciary for securing the conviction, asserting that the government will take firm measures against religious extremism while safeguarding freedom of worship. Mackenzie faces separate proceedings for other alleged offences.