Amidst the anticipation of legal proceedings at the Mombasa Law Court, a somber scene unfolded as cult leader Paul Mackenzie and his 94 co-accused companions arrived too weak to even disembark from the prison vehicles. The gravity of their physical condition became even more apparent as they were unable to ascend to the courtroom, lingering in the court basement, a stark reminder of their frailty.
Paul Mackenzie and co-accused arrive in Mombasa court frail and weak. it's alleged that they are on a hunger strike and haven't eaten for the last 3 days. pic.twitter.com/3fiMCCj2no
— Seth Olale (@SethOlale) February 20, 2024
Charged with a staggering 238 counts of manslaughter, Mackenzie and his followers have embarked on yet another hunger strike, a silent protest that has left many puzzled. Their motive remains shrouded in mystery, leaving observers to speculate on the underlying reasons behind this drastic measure.
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The sight of these individuals, once deemed influential figures within their community, now reduced to shadows of their former selves, is both striking and disheartening. Despite the severity of their charges, their physical deterioration serves as a reminder of the toll that legal battles can exact on individuals, both mentally and physically.
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In a gesture of compassion, Mombasa Chief Magistrate Alex Ithuku visited the detainees in the basement, offering reassurance of justice amidst their plight. However, the legal landscape remains fraught with uncertainty as the State seeks to oppose their release on bond terms. Citing concerns of flight risk and potential interference with witnesses, the State acknowledges the gravity of the charges and the necessity of stringent measures to ensure accountability.
