Controversial Pastor Paul Mackenzie's wife, Rhoda Mumbua, was on Monday, July 3, released on a Ksh100,000 bond.
Presiding Judge Yusuf Shikanda also offered Mumbua an alternative of Ksh300,000 bond under the condition that she appears in court for all hearings.
The suspect had been remanded for nearly two months alongside her husband and 15 others on claims that they operated a cult in Shakahola Forest, Kilifi County.
In his ruling, Justice Yusuf Shikanda observed that the evidence and investigations presented in court by the prosecution did not establish her participation in cultic activities.
Initially, the State through the Office of Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) had challenged an application made by Mackenzie, his wife and fifteen others, seeking their release on bond or bail.
The judge also noted that the prosecution was yet to press any charges against the only woman who had been arrested alongside suspected Kilifi cultists.
On May 2, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations raided their home and arrested her on suspicion that she knew and possibly took part in the preachings which led to the death of over 300 people in Shakahola Forest.
Meanwhile, Justice Yusuf allowed the police to detain Mackenzie and his co-accused for 30 more days to allow DCI officers to conclude their investigations.
DCI officers had been investigating Mackezie and his Good News International Church for months after it emerged that the cult leader hoodwinked his followers into believing wrong doctrines.
Among the charges that members of Good News Church are facing included genocide, murder, manslaughter, and child neglect. Mackenzie is accused of leading a cult in Shakahola forest in Kilifi County where he allegedly convinced his followers to starve themselves to death.
Investigators are expected to complete their investigations within thirty days after which the trial will commence immediately over a case that has raised important questions about the role of religion in Kenya and the dangers of cultism.
On Sunday, June 4, Interior CS Kithure Kindiki weighed in on the jail sentences that await controversial preacher Paul Mackenzie.
"Mackenzie will not get out of jail, he will age in there. We pray that God gives him more years to see Kenya's security prosper. He will not get out of jail. Mackenzie will meet the wrath of God after jail," Kindiki assured.
