The government of Kenya has declared Pastor Paul Mackenzie’s Good News International Ministries an organized criminal group.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Interior Cabinet Secretary Prof. Kithure Kindiki said the declaration is in accordance with Section 22(1) of the Prevention of Organised Crimes Act.
The first part of the provided provision dictates that “Where the Minister has reasonable grounds to believe that a specified group is engaged in any organized criminal activity under section 3 of this Act, he may, on the advice of the Commissioner of Police, by notice, declare that specified group an organized criminal group for the purposes of this Act.”
Under the same section, part (ii) directs that “Any person aggrieved by the decision of the Minister under this section may apply to the High Court for redress within twenty-one days from the date of publishing the order.”
The big controversial church was situated in Shakahola, Kilifi county and the teachings by their pastor led to more than 400 people losing their lives.
Pastor Mackenzie and 94 other suspects are facing charges of 238 cases levelled against them including terrorism and radicalization. They have denied all charges.
However, the autopsy exercise has been costly time-consuming and labourious since most of the bodies had decomposed severely.
The suspects detention period was extended by the Shanzu court in December for another 180 days since the suspects have all denied the claims.
The accused have been in remand for a couple of months now as they await the conclusion of investigations.
By Matildah Obaigwa
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