Controversial preacher Paul Mackenzie denies link to new deaths, graves in Kilifi's Binzaro area
Detained controversial preacher Paul Mackenzie has denied any links to the fresh wave of deaths and newly uncovered graves in the Binzaro area of Kilifi County, as detectives intensify investigations into suspected cultic practices reminiscent of the Shakahola tragedy.
Mackenzie, who is currently held at Shimo La Tewa Prison, expressed his frustration and shock through his lawyer Lawrence Obonyo, stating that he has had no contact with anyone outside prison since his arrest in April 2023.
"My client has been in strict custody, only communicating with his family and legal team. He has no knowledge of the people arrested or those found dead in Binzaro," said Obonyo.
The preacher, facing multiple court cases relating to the Shakahola massacre, including terrorism, manslaughter, and child abuse charges, dismissed the renewed allegations as an attempt to tarnish his name and interfere with ongoing court proceedings. “This is a deliberate smear campaign aimed at derailing justice,” Obonyo added.
Investigators from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), led by Homicide Division Director Martin Nyuguto, visited the forested area at Kwa Binzaro village within Chakama Ranch last week.
During their operation, they identified suspected grave sites and confirmed that exhumations would soon begin under a joint team of homicide detectives, forensic officers, and pathologists.
So far, one body and skeletal remains have been recovered, with authorities fearing more victims may be buried in shallow graves in the area. The DCI has obtained a court order to commence further exhumations, following intelligence suggesting continued cultic activity within the expansive ranch.
Several new suspects, including women, have been arrested in connection with the ongoing case. One female suspect has emerged as a key figure under investigation. While authorities have not officially linked her to Mackenzie, her alleged influence and possible ties to previous cult teachings have raised suspicion.
Mackenzie, through his legal counsel, questioned the timing of her arrest, stating, “If she truly was one of his followers, why wasn’t she apprehended during the 2023 crackdown? Why now?”
Residents and human rights defenders have raised concerns over the recurrence of dangerous religious ideologies in the region.
Authorities have warned that additional graves may soon be discovered as investigations continue.
Mackenzie, who is currently held at Shimo La Tewa Prison, expressed his frustration and shock through his lawyer Lawrence Obonyo, stating that he has had no contact with anyone outside prison since his arrest in April 2023.
"My client has been in strict custody, only communicating with his family and legal team. He has no knowledge of the people arrested or those found dead in Binzaro," said Obonyo.
The preacher, facing multiple court cases relating to the Shakahola massacre, including terrorism, manslaughter, and child abuse charges, dismissed the renewed allegations as an attempt to tarnish his name and interfere with ongoing court proceedings. “This is a deliberate smear campaign aimed at derailing justice,” Obonyo added.
Investigators from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), led by Homicide Division Director Martin Nyuguto, visited the forested area at Kwa Binzaro village within Chakama Ranch last week.
During their operation, they identified suspected grave sites and confirmed that exhumations would soon begin under a joint team of homicide detectives, forensic officers, and pathologists.
So far, one body and skeletal remains have been recovered, with authorities fearing more victims may be buried in shallow graves in the area. The DCI has obtained a court order to commence further exhumations, following intelligence suggesting continued cultic activity within the expansive ranch.
Several new suspects, including women, have been arrested in connection with the ongoing case. One female suspect has emerged as a key figure under investigation. While authorities have not officially linked her to Mackenzie, her alleged influence and possible ties to previous cult teachings have raised suspicion.
Mackenzie, through his legal counsel, questioned the timing of her arrest, stating, “If she truly was one of his followers, why wasn’t she apprehended during the 2023 crackdown? Why now?”
Residents and human rights defenders have raised concerns over the recurrence of dangerous religious ideologies in the region.
Authorities have warned that additional graves may soon be discovered as investigations continue.
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