News: Pastor Mackenzie’s case highlights failings in the Kenyan judicial and police system
Four months after the arrest of Pastor Paul Mackenzie, suspected of having caused the deaths of more than 400 people through his calls for “extreme fasting”, the Kenyan Senate has just published a damning investigation report. This report highlights the multiple failures of the judicial and police systems, as well as the failings of the local security committee, which could have prevented Pastor Mackenzie’s criminal activities.
According to the report, Pastor Mackenzie had already faced justice in 2017 for his preaching deemed “extreme”. Unfortunately, despite four criminal investigations being opened, the criminal justice system failed to prevent Mackenzie’s dangerous practices. In 2017, he was even acquitted of radicalization charges. Two years later, despite being accused of being linked to the deaths of two children who died of starvation, Mackenzie was released on bail pending trial.
The report also highlights the negligence of the local police and the local security committee, who were alerted and recorded recurring complaints from religious leaders and local associations. Unfortunately, no thorough investigation has been carried out despite reports of “radicalization of adults” and “subjecting people to inhumane conditions.” The senators therefore believe that the legislation governing religious organizations must be reviewed in order to avoid such tragedies in the future.
Pastor Mackenzie’s arrest in April was followed by the gruesome discovery of the victims’ bodies in the Shakahola forest. To date, 428 bodies have been found. Autopsies carried out on these bodies confirmed that the majority of the victims died of starvation, but some also showed signs of strangulation and injuries. Worse still, forensic doctors have established cases of sexual abuse and disappearance of organs, suggesting possible trafficking.
Now that the investigation is complete, Paul Mackenzie and his 29 co-defendants will be formally indicted. The ex-guru of the sect risks facing “terrorism” charges.
This shocking case highlights the failures of the Kenyan justice and police system. It is essential to learn lessons from this tragic event in order to improve the security and protection of citizens against such dangerous individuals. It is crucial to strengthen legislation and ensure effective cooperation between security agencies and religious institutions to prevent such tragedies in the future.