Shakahola Massacre: 422 Witnesses Set to Testify Against Mackenzie in Manslaughter Trial

In a hurry? Here’s a quick summary…

• The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) plans to present 422 witnesses and electronic evidence against Paul Mackenzie, the main suspect in the Shakahola massacre case.
• Mackenzie and 94 others are facing charges related to 238 counts of manslaughter, with the trial scheduled to proceed in August and September 2024, following confirmation of the defense team’s receipt of witness statements and exhibits.

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has announced its intention to call upon 422 witnesses to testify against Paul Mackenzie, the prime suspect in the Shakahola massacre case. 

Alongside Mackenzie, 94 others face charges of 238 counts of manslaughter in relation to the tragic events at Shakahola forest in Kilifi County. 

Prosecution counsels informed the court on Tuesday of their plan to present both electronic and documentary evidence to substantiate the case.

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According to the ODPP, Chief Magistrate Hon. Alex Ithuku presided over the proceedings, where it was disclosed that the testimonies of these witnesses, combined with electronic and documentary evidence, aim to establish the charges against the 40 women and 55 men involved in the Shakahola massacre, which resulted in 429 deaths.

Following confirmation from the defense team regarding receipt of the prosecution’s witness statements and exhibits, the court scheduled the trial to take place from August 12-15, and subsequently from September 9-12, 2024. A mentioning of the case is set for June 25, 2024.

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The ODPP emphasized that the court reiterated its commitment to conducting proceedings without interruption and on a day-to-day basis to ensure justice for all parties involved, including Mackenzie and his co-accused, who have been denied bond.