DPP Makes First Breakthrough in Pastor Mackenzie Case, Goes After Cars

Director of Public Prosecution Noordin Haji (Left) and Controversial Preacher Paul Mackenzie (Right) during a media interview in Kilifi County on March 24, 2023.
Director of Public Prosecution Noordin Haji (Left) and Controversial Preacher Paul Mackenzie during a media interview in Kilifi County on March 24, 2023.
Photo
ODPP

Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Noordin Haji on Wednesday, April 26, obtained court orders to seize all the properties linked to pastor Paul Mackenzie.

Malindi Principal Magistrate Ivy Wasike issued the orders while approving a search warrant valid for a period of ten days.

In particular, the Magistrate ordered detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to access and seize title deed documents, motor vehicles, access bank details and other items linked to the charges leveled against the pastor.

She further directed lead investigating officer Joseph Yator to conduct the search warrant in the presence of Mackenzie's lawyers or their authorised agent.

Security officers exhuming bodies at Shakahola graves in Kilifi County on Sunday, April 23, 2023.
Security officers exhuming bodies at Shakahola graves in Kilifi County on Sunday, April 23, 2023.
Photo
Capital Group

“The search of the premises be conducted during daytime,” the magistrate directed.

While concluding her judgment, she warned that anyone served with the order and contravened the same would be charged with contempt and would be liable for imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months or both.

At the same time, Nyeri Catholic Archbishop Anthony Muheria urged the government to conduct a financial audit for all religious leaders to curb the fraudsters who aimed at hoodwinking unsuspecting victims.

"It is important that we audit the wealth of all religious leaders; all of us including should be able to declare what I have in my account."

"It should be something public for all the Christians who follow my church. They should know how much I have and how much I own. That is the only way the congregation can be defended from the greed of any rogue religious leaders," he stated during a press briefing on Wednesday, April 26.

The news comes as Interior CS Kithure Kindiki declared a curfew in Shakahola forest and banned public gatherings for 30 days owing to the probe occurring inside Mackenzie's base of his operations.

As of Wednesday, the death toll stood at 95 after five more bodies were exhumed.

A photo collage of Paul Mackenzie speaking during an interview on March 24, 2023 (left) and police officers digging graves at the Shakahola Forest on April 24, 2023 (right).
A photo collage of Paul Mackenzie speaking during an interview on March 24, 2023 (left) and police officers digging graves at the Shakahola Forest on April 24, 2023 (right).
Photo
National Police Service
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