Court questions absence of the DPP in Makenzi case

Controversial preacher Paul Mackenzi confers with his lawyer Lawrence Obonyo at Mombasa Law Courts on November 11, 2024. [Kelvin Karani, Standard]

Controversial preacher Paul Makenzi's case was Monday adjourned after five prosecution counsels failed to appear for the hearing.

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) sought for adjournment of the hearing and said that there had been a transfer of prosecutors handling the matter with others being held up with other assignments in Nairobi.

Chief Magistrate Alex Ithuku questioned why the prosecution had failed to appear in his court despite setting up three days for the hearing.

Ithuku questioned if the DPP has lost interest in the matter of public interest.

Senior prosecutors, Jami Yemina, Victor Owiti, Betty Rubia, Alex Gituma and Hillary Isiaho did not appear for the hearing and prosecution of the case.

"I have considered the application for adjournment. This is a serious case, that is why the court has given it a whole week's hearing. It is not clear to the court why the prosecutors kept off from the case. Why would they take other assignments?" he posed.

He added, "It could suggest that they no longer prioritise this case. It was intended to cause adjournment by informing witnesses not to come to court. When I denied the accused bond, I directed the matter to proceed expeditiously. I would allow adjournment hoping we will cover the time lost."

Makenzi, his wife and 93 of his followers have denied 238 charges of manslaughter.

Makenzi's lawyer Lawrence Obonyo now wants the DPP to declare the time the manslaughter case will be concluded.