Shakahola massacre: Case adjourned after Mackenzie's lawyer skips court

The court has adjourned the hearing of the Shakahola massacre case involving controversial pastor Paul Mackenzie after his lawyer failed to appear in court.

Mackenzie and his 94 co-accused persons had appeared before the Shanzu Law Courts to answer to five terrorism-related charges.

According to a statement by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) on Wednesday, Shanzu Principal Magistrate Leah Juma ruled that the case be adjourned to allow Mackenzie’s lawyer to appear to represent him in accordance with the law.

She noted that proceeding with the matter as had been requested by the prosecution would have been a violation of Mackenzie and his co-accused's fundamental rights.

“Hon. Juma stated that the accused are facing serious charges, and Article 50 of the Constitution requires that an accused person be represented by counsel,” stated the ODPP.

Senior Prosecution Counsel Peris Ogega had prayed for the hearing to continue arguing that they were not made aware of the defence counsel’s absence.

The accused persons however requested for the adjournment of the case until their lawyer was present.

Early this month, the court was forced to adjourn the case after Mackenzie boycotted his bail hearing citing discriminatory treatment by prison officials. 

His lawyer, Wycliffe Makasembo, told the court that Mackenzie had complained about being separated from the other suspects. 

Mackenzie also expressed concerns about abduction, complicating the proceedings and prompting his lawyer to seek an adjournment to counsel his client on the subject.

The case will be heard on April 3, 2024.