Controversial Pastor Paul Mackenzie to spend more weeks in police custody

Police in Mombasa have been given the green light to continue holding in custody suspected Shakahola 'cult' leader Paul Mackenzie and his alleged accomplices.

The Mombasa Law Courts on Wednesday, May 10 allowed police to detain Mackenzie, his wife Rhoda Maweu and his 16 followers for a period of not more than 30 days, starting from the 3rd of May.

The suspects had accused the police of denying them food while in custody, with the court ordering that they be detained in a humane manner and with respect.

During detention, the court also directed that the respondents be granted reasonable access to advocates and family or any other person whose assistance will be necessary.

The respondents will also be allowed to communicate privately with any person of their choice by phone.

They will also be accorded medical examination and treatment if they fall sick.

In any event that the prosecutors will need an extension of the period to continue detaining them, they will be required to submit a report indicating the general status of the Investigations and what is left.