The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Renson Ingonga, will present new evidence against preacher Paul Mackenzie and 28 co-accused.
Investigators presented fresh statements and the High Court in Mombasa may use it to identify more suspects and witnesses. Consequently, Prosecutor Alex Ndiema told Justice Diana Mochache that the prosecution must share the evidence with the defence before the trial continues.
“We recently received new evidence that we must give to the defence. Therefore, we request an adjournment to finalise disclosures and review possible charge changes,” Ndiema said.
Additionally, Prosecutor Victor Simbi explained that a special prosecution team handles the case. However, scheduling challenges forced them to request more time. He emphasized that the request does not aim to delay the trial.
In contrast, defence lawyer Lawrence Obonyo, representing Mackenzie, opposed the adjournment. He argued it would deny the accused a fair and speedy trial, adding, “This takes the wheels of justice backwards.” He also noted that the prosecution had sufficient time to amend the charges.
Justice Mochache is set to issue directions today after the prosecution formally presents the new evidence.
The case follows the Court of Appeal’s decision to reinstate 191 murder charges against Mackenzie, which overturned a High Court ruling that had reduced the charges to 12. The charges relate to the deaths of more than 450 followers of Mackenzie’s Good News International Church between January 2021 and September 2023. All accused have pleaded not guilty.
