A court in Mombasa on Wednesday, March 27 adjourned a case in which Shakahola massacre key suspect Paul Mackenzie and 94 others were charged with five terrorism-related charges.
Shanzu Law Courts Principal Magistrate Leah Juma was forced to adjourn the case after Mackenzie and the co-accused lawyer, Wycliffe Makasembo, failed to appear in court to defend them.
During the court session, Prosecution counsel Peris Ogega informed Magistrate Juma that they were unaware of the defense counsel’s absence and were ready to proceed with the matter.
However, Mackenzie and the co-accused requested that the case be adjourned until their lawyer was available.
In her ruling, Juma stated that the accused are facing serious charges, and Article 50 of the Constitution requires that an accused person be represented by counsel.
She added that proceeding with the matter without their legal representation would amount to a violation of the accused fundamental rights.
The court will make further direction on 3 April 2024.
