Murkomen Vows to Isolate Paul Mackenzie in Prison Over Fears of Radicalising Inmates
Murkomen said the government would maintain strict custody arrangements for Mackenzie, who is facing charges linked to the Shakahola deaths, amid concerns over the potential influence of his teachings on other prisoners.
NAIROBI, Kenya - Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has pledged to isolate controversial preacher Paul Mackenzie in solitary confinement within prison walls, citing apprehensions that Mackenzie might radicalize fellow inmates if given the chance to mingle freely. The government will ensure Mackenzie remains under strict custody arrangements, particularly in light of the alleged attempts by Mackenzie to indoctrinate other prisoners and police officers while in detention, according to Murkomen.
The minister disclosed this during a church service in Ikolomani Constituency, Kakamega, on Sunday. Speaking on the matter, Murkomen vowed that a secluded area would be provided for Mackenzie to serve his sentence, limiting his interactions with other prisoners. He emphasized the move aimed at preventing the preacher from spreading extremist religious teachings within the prison environment or influencing vulnerable inmates.
The government's decision stems from intelligence reports highlighting Mackenzie's alleged efforts to radicalize individuals within his reach. The High Court in Mombasa recently sentenced Mackenzie to a staggering 200 years in prison for his role in the Shakahola massacre, which claimed the lives of 191 individuals, predominantly children.
Justice Diana Kavedza-Mochache handed down consecutive 100-year sentences for 183 counts of murder by starvation and eight counts of direct homicide. Mackenzie's co-accused were also convicted, facing sentences ranging from 10 to 160 years. The court found that the preacher had orchestrated a system of religious indoctrination, compelling followers to starve themselves and their children in anticipation of a meeting with Jesus.
The prosecution presented forensic evidence, medical reports, and witness testimonies detailing the methods used to enforce fasting, including intimidation, violence, and confinement. Interior Cabinet Secretary Murkomen praised the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, and the Judiciary for their role in securing Mackenzie's conviction.
He affirmed that the government would take decisive action against religious extremism and radicalization while upholding the constitutional right to freedom of worship. The Shakahola tragedy came to light in 2023 following the discovery of mass graves in Kilifi County, leading to the recovery of hundreds of bodies from the surrounding forest.
Although Mackenzie faces separate proceedings for other alleged offenses, his sentencing represents a significant step in the prosecution of the killings.
Written by urgent.news from Capital FM Kenya's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
