Shakahola cult leader Paul Makenzi to remain in custody for 30 more days

Controversial Pastor Paul Mackenzie Nthenge at the Malindi Chief Magistrates Court. [Nehemiah Okwembah, Standard].

Shakahola cult leader Paul Makenzi has been detained for another 30 days following a successful application by the State.

Granting the request, Shanzu Law Courts Senior Principal Magistrate Yusuf Shikanda ordered for Makenzi to continue being detained further for a period not exceeding 60 days.

At the same time, the Principal Magistrate released Makenzi’s wife, Rhoda Mumbua Maweu on a Sh100,000 bond.

“Further to the bond terms aforesaid, the suspect shall be required to visit a police station as may be directed by the investigators as and when required until completion of the investigations herein,” the court documents read in part.

The Principal Magistrate also stated that the State shall be given time to indicate whether they will require an extension and probably apply for such extension.

“As proposed by the State, the respondents shall be remanded at Malindi, Kilifi and Shimo La Tewa GK Prisons at the discretion of the State and that the respondents shall be held separately from persons who are serving sentences or convicted persons,” Shikanda added.

Makenzi, his wife and 16 other co-accused are being investigated in connection with the deaths of over 240 people whose bodies were exhumed from Shakahola forest after starving to death.