Paul Makenzi, 17 co-accused to remain in custody for five more days

Controversial preacher Paul Makenzi and 17 co-accused will remain in custody for five more days to allow police complete investigations into cult-like claims at his church.

Shanzu Law Courts Principal Magistrate Yusuf Shikanda on Friday, May 5 gave the State a go-ahead to detain Makenzi of Good News International Church and his co-accused at Marereni, Watamu, and Malindi Police stations.

After the lapse of 5 days, the court is then expected to deliver a ruling on whether the State will be allowed to hold the suspects for 90 more days.

Makenzi was rearrested on Tuesday, May 2, immediately after he had secured his release.

The preacher who is accused of convincing over 100 of his followers to starve to death in order to reach heaven faster was descended on by detectives moments after being released by a Malindi Court, alongside his six accomplices.

Makenzi had been released by Malindi Principal Magistrate Ivy Wasike who was handling the miscellaneous file to hold him after stating that she had closed it as the matter could only be heard by a specialized court which is in Shanzu.

The State is accusing Makenzi of manipulating people through skewed, extreme religious teachings and fear of the unknown in pursuit of salvation, leading to the deaths of many of his followers.

Detectives have been reviewing his phone records and interviewing individuals connected to the church.