- The preacher came into the limelight late last week after influencing his followers to fast to death in bid to meet their redeemer Jesus Christ.
- He appeared before Malindi chief magistrate on Monday .
- Makenzi will be held in custody for 14 days alongside six of his followers while another seven, who the prosecution described as victims as they had refused to eat even while in police custody, will be held for seven days for counselling.
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A Malindi preacher who has been in the public limelight for allegedly influencing his followers to fast to death will remain in police custody for 14 more days to allow time for completion of investigations.
Pastor Paul Nthenge Makenzi of the Good News International church appeared before Malindi Chief Magistrate Elizabeth Usui, Monday afternoon but was not required to plead to any charge, with the prosecution seeking for 30 more days to hold him.
Makenzi will be held in custody for 14 days alongside six of his followers while another seven, who the prosecution described as victims as they had refused to eat even while in police custody, will be held for seven days for counselling.
Ms Usui cancelled a Sh10, 000 police bond granted to Makenzi in an earlier case in which the preacher was suspected to have been involved in the deaths of two minors through his influence.
She said a request by one of the victims to be released to go and continue with his prayers and fasting in Shakahola was evident enough that such activities were still going on in the area and that releasing the suspects could lead to witness interference.
One of the suspects who the prosecution identified as a victim has directly asked the court to release him so that he returns to the place that is known to be first respondent’s land in Shakahola to continue with his fast.
“This outrightly confirms that the activities are still taking place at the said placen and unless the suspects, especially the first respondent, are held in custody, there is a likelihood of interference with the witnesses and a likelihood that more unlawful activities may take place,” the magistrate said in a verdict captured in a Twitter video.
She noted that although the suspects had not been charged, the court found compelling reasons to allow the police to continue holding the suspects for more days until they complete the investigations.
