The Shanzu court has set the commencement date for the hearing of the terrorism-related case involving controversial preacher Paul Mackenzie and 94 others for July 8, 2024.
This decision follows the tragic Shakahola massacre, which claimed the lives of over 429 people.
Principal Magistrate Leah Juma has scheduled the hearing to take place from July 8 to 11, 2024, and from July 22 to 25, 2024. Additionally, the court has instructed the probation and aftercare service to expedite the preparation of pre-bail reports.
Magistrate Juma has granted an extension of 21 days to the probation team to complete reports on the remaining 35 out of the 95 accused individuals. These pre-bail reports are crucial for the court to consider an application by the prosecution to oppose the release of Mackenzie and his co-accused on bond. The matter is set to be mentioned on May 29, 2024, to confirm whether all parties have received and reviewed the probation reports.
Furthermore, the court has directed the Shimo la Tewa Prison authority to transfer three accused persons to the hospital after they began a hunger strike. The medical report on their condition is to be presented to the court on the mentioned date.