Why Paul Mackenzie boycotted hearing of terrorism case

The Shakahola massacre key suspect, Paul Mackenzie, on Wednesday, March 13 boycotted hearing of a terrorism case facing him and 94 others.

His lawyer, Wycliffe Makasembo’s, frantic plea to persuade him to appear in court hit a dead end, the Office of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (ODPP) says.

The hearing was for a bond application filed by the prosecution to oppose the release of the 95 suspects. Makasembo told Principal Magistrate Leah Juma that his client had complained of being separated from other suspects, accusing the prison’s authority of discrimination.

The hearing that Paul Mackenzie boycotted on March 13, 2024 was for a bond application filed by the prosecution to oppose the release of the 95 suspects.

The defense lawyer also informed the court that his client raised fear of being “abducted.” He sought an adjournment for him to advise his clients.

However, Senior Assistant DPP Peter Kiprop, Principal Prosecution Counsel Anthony Musyoka and Senior Prosecution Counsel Peris Ongega opposed the adjournment, dismissing Mackenzie’s claims as theatrics to delay the proceedings.

Senior Assistant DPP Peter Kiprop, Principal Prosecution Counsel Anthony Musyoka and Senior Prosecution Counsel Peris Ongega opposed the adjournment of the case as per Paul Mackenzie’s lawyer, dismissing his claims as theatrics to delay the proceedings.

The DPP team stated that there is no harm if the court hears their bond application in Mackenzie’s absence, stating that Article 50 of the Constitution allows trial of any accused in absentia in certain circumstances.

The prosecution further submitted that Mackenzie is a convicted prisoner; hence, the law requires prison authority to separate him from his co-accused, who are remandees.

Magistrate Juma also heard allegations that Mackenzie has been radicalizing and encouraging other accused persons to stage a hunger strike, hence raising serious security concerns.

In her ruling, Juma summoned the officer in charge of Shimo la Tewa Maximum Security Prison and the investigating officer to appear and shed light on issues raised in court.

The court also directed the probation department to prepare bail reports to guide it in determining the DPP’s application to oppose the bond.

He further directed the National Counter Terrorism Center (NCTC) to prepare psychosocial reports on each of the accused persons.

The court will give further direction on 27 March 2024 when the matter will be mentioned.