By Our Reporter
Controversial Preacher Paul Mackenzie has alongside seven others been charged with terrorism that allegedly led to the death of over 52 individuals at Kwa Binzaro area in Chakama, Kilifi County.
The seven reportedly engaged in organized criminal activity, two counts of radicalization, two counts of facilitating commission of a terrorism act and being in possession of an article connected with an offence under the Prevention of Terrorism Act.
The prosecution told Shanzu Law courts on Wednesday that on the diverse dates between January and July 2025, Mackenzie, Shallyne Temba, Kahindi Garama, Tom Mkonwe, Julius Luwali, Johnson Richard, Charles Musee and James Kahindi were found to be members of a radicalized religious sect, named Good News International Ministries, an organized criminal group that endangered the lives of the sect followers, leading to the death of at least 52 people.
They are alleged to have promoted an extreme belief system by preaching against the authority of the government and facilitated the commission of a terrorist act.
They pleaded not guilty to the all charges before Senior Principal Magistrate Leah Juma.
The accused persons were later taken to Mombasa Law Court before Senior Principal Magistrate Eric Wambo, where they faced additional charges of manslaughter contrary to Section 202 of the Penal Code, Cap 63 laws of Kenya.
The court heard that the accused persons allegedly killed 29 people on diverse dates between January and July 2025, at Kwa Binzaro area in Chakama location of Magarini Sub County, within Kilifi County.
The accused persons were further arraigned before Mombasa High Court judge Lady Justice Wendy Kagendo but did not plead to the murder charges.
Lady Justice Kagendo ordered all the accused persons to be escorted to the hospital for mental assessment.
The three matters will be mentioned on March 4, 2026.
