Nairobi, October 19- The Mombasa High Court is expected to deliver its judgment in the murder case against controversial preacher Paul Nthenge Mackenzie and his co-accused over the deaths linked to the Shakahola tragedy in Kilifi County.
Mackenzie and the other accused persons face 191 murder counts involving children whose bodies were recovered from mass graves in Shakahola Forest. The case has attracted national and international attention because of the scale of the deaths and allegations surrounding the religious teachings that preceded the tragedy.
During the trial, the prosecution presented evidence from more than 120 witnesses and argued that Mackenzie instructed his followers to fast to death in the belief that they would meet Jesus Christ. Investigators also examined mass graves, forensic evidence and statements from relatives of people believed to have died in the forest.
The prosecution has urged the court to find the accused persons responsible for the deaths, arguing that the evidence presented demonstrates their alleged involvement. The defence case and the court’s assessment of the evidence remain central to the determination of the charges.
The judgment is expected to mark a significant development in one of Kenya’s most closely watched criminal cases. The court’s findings will determine the outcome of the murder charges against the accused persons.
