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Police in Malindi want controversial preacher Paul Mackenzie added to a case involving the deaths linked to the Kwa Bi Nzaro village cult, where victims are believed to have died from starvation.
Investigators say the Kwa Bi Nzaro group is an extension of the Shakahola cult linked to Mackenzie between 2011 and 2023, a tragedy that claimed the lives of more than 400 people. So far, investigations in the Kilifi County case have led to the recovery of 52 bodies.
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On Friday, the Director of Public Prosecutions informed the Malindi Magistrate’s Court that the state plans to merge case files to formally include Mackenzie. Senior Prosecution Counsel Racheal Omala told the court that investigators had established Mackenzie’s involvement and that he is ready to be charged alongside other suspects.
Police and prosecutors also asked the court for an additional 14 days to continue holding nine suspects as investigations proceed. The state further requested that four of the suspects undergo mental assessment at Malindi Sub-County Hospital before decisions on their charges are finalised.
Those set for assessment are Kahindi Kazungu Garama, Thomas Mukonwe, James Kahindi Kazungu and Sharleen Temba Anido. The prosecution asked that they remain in custody at Malindi GK Prison pending transfer to hospital.
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According to Omala, detectives are probing several alleged offences, including radicalisation, facilitation of terrorist activities, organised criminal conduct and murder. Other suspects named in the case include Jarius Otieno Oder, Lilian Akinyi, Kahonzi Katana Karisa, Loice Zawadi and Safari Kenga Nzai.
Lawyer Lawrence Obonyo, representing the suspects, opposed the request to extend detention, arguing they had been held for too long and should be allowed to take plea. The magistrate said a ruling on the matter would be delivered on Monday.
The court proceedings come shortly after a suspect in the Shakahola massacre case pleaded guilty to multiple murder charges. Enos Amanya, also known as Haleluya, admitted to 191 counts of murder before the Mombasa High Court, with the offences said to have occurred between January 2021 and September 2023.
The prosecution told the court that the deaths were part of a pact involving Mackenzie and others. Amanya was said to have played a role in the burial of victims and security at the Shakahola forest.
After confirming the facts presented by the prosecution, the court convicted Amanya based on his guilty plea. The judge ordered that a victim impact assessment be carried out ahead of sentencing, including consideration of his surviving child.
The court also directed that Amanya be held separately from other Shakahola suspects for his safety. Victim hearings are scheduled for February 2 to 6, 2026, while sentencing submissions will be highlighted between March 1 and 6, 2026.
Following the conviction, the prosecution closed its case, having presented 120 witnesses and hundreds of exhibits over six months of hearings.
