Controversial Malindi-based Pastor Paul Nthenge Mackenzie and 17 other suspects will remain in police custody for 30 more days, Shanzu Magistrate court has ruled.
Senior Principal Magistrate Yusuf Shikanda on Wednesday ruled on an application by the Director of Public Prosecution to continue holding Mackenzie and 17 others for 90 more days.
In his ruling, the magistrate said that he finds the application by the DPP meritorious.
"The police are hereby allowed to hold the respondents in detention for a period not exceeding 30 days from May 3, 2023," said the Magistrate.
The magistrate further ruled that the respondents be held in various police stations as requested by the state.
Shikanda ordered that they be treated in a human manner and with respect for their inherent human dignity.
"During the time of detention, the respondents shall be granted reasonable access to their advocates and family or any other person whose assistance will be necessary. The access will include the right to communicate privately with the advocates," said Shikanda.
He also ruled that the respondents be accorded medical examination, treatment and healthcare whenever the need arises.
However, they are yet to be charged officially.
The suspect, who is being held in connection with the deaths of more than 100 persons that allegedly starved to death in Shakahola forest, has been behind bars since his arrest last month.
The Office of the Director of Criminal Investigation (ODPP) had filed an application last week before Shanzu senior principal magistrate Yusuf Shikanda to continue holding Mackenzie and 17 others for 90 days.
According to the senior principal prosecution counsel Jami Yamina, the 14-day period that they had initially been granted by a Malindi court to hold Mackenzie and his co-accused, proved to be grossly insufficient because of the evolving nature of the case and the lines of inquiry that are being pursued.
He told the court that they need more time to conclude their investigation around Mackenzie and his members of the Good News International Church.
They are facing serious crimes of murder, counselling and aiding persons to kill themselves, aiding suicide, abduction, radicalisation, genocide, crimes against humanity, child cruelty, fraud and money laundering.
