A major development has emerged in the ongoing Shakahola murder trial after the court ruled that Pastor Paul Mackenzie and 30 of his co-accused have a case to answer in connection with multiple murder charges stemming from the tragic events in the Shakahola Forest.
In a ruling delivered at the High Court in Mombasa, Justice Diana Kavedza determined that the prosecution had established a prima facie case, meaning sufficient evidence exists to require the accused persons to present their defence.
The decision marks a significant procedural victory for the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).
The prosecution built its case through extensive testimony and forensic evidence. A total of 121 witnesses were called, including survivors, medical experts, and investigating officers.
The court also reviewed exhibits such as post-mortem reports and government laboratory analyses, which formed part of the evidentiary record presented during the trial.
While delivering the ruling, Justice Kavedza stated that the existence of multiple deaths linked to the settlement was not in dispute.
Evidence presented showed that bodies, including those of children, were exhumed from shallow graves, with some remains positively identified and released to families for burial. Witness testimony further placed several accused individuals at the scene, where they allegedly served in roles such as guards, cooks, village elders, and grave diggers.
The defence has indicated it will present sworn testimony and call 12 witnesses, including six expert witnesses, as the trial proceeds to the next phase.
Pastor Mackenzie and his co-accused are facing 191 counts of murder under Kenya’s Penal Code. One of the accused persons previously entered a guilty plea and is awaiting sentencing, while the remaining suspects continue to contest the charges.
The Shakahola case remains one of the most significant criminal proceedings in Kenya’s recent history, following investigations into mass deaths linked to alleged starvation practices within the settlement. Authorities have documented hundreds of fatalities connected to the incident.
