File image of Paul Mackenzie
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki on Wednesday, January 31 declared controversial preacher Paul Mackenzie’s Good News International Ministries church an organized criminal group.
In a Gazette notice released by the Interior Ministry, CS Kindiki said declaration is in accordance with Section 22(1) of the Prevention of Organised Crimes Act.
‘’In exercise of the powers conferred by section 22 (1) of the Prevention of Organized Crimes Act, the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration declares Good News International Ministries to be an organized criminal group for the purposes of the Act,’’ read the notice.
According to the Act, if the Minister has reasonable grounds to believe that a specified group is engaged in any organized criminal activity under section 3 of this Act, he may, on the advice of the Commissioner of Police, by notice, declare that specified group an organized criminal group.
Pastor Mackenzie and 94 other co-accused are facing 238 charges related to the death of over 429 people in Shakahola, Kilifi County.
DPP Renson Ingonga on January 16 ordered the 95 suspects to be charged noting tat there was sufficient evidence incriminating them to the Shakahola massacre.
“The DPP is fully satisfied that there is enough evidence to prosecute the 95 suspects with charges of manslaughter, assault and causing grievous bodily harm under the penal code,” the DPP said in a statement.
Mackenzie and his co-accused, who have been in police custody for months, will continue to remain in custody following an application by the prosecution to continue detaining them pending the conclusion of investigations.
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