Makenzi's starving followers to be held in cells for 14 days

He had been presented before court for allegedly being involved in the deaths of two children in Shakahola.

"One of the suspects who the prosecution has indicated as a victim has directly asked the court to release him so that he can go back to Shakahola to continue with his fast. This confirms that the activities are still taking place at the said place," she said.

She noted that although the suspects had not been charged, the court found compelling reasons to allow the police to continue holding them for 14 more days until investigations are complete.

Sergeant Joseph Yator, in a miscellaneous application, had requested the court to allow the police to hold Pastor Makenzi and six of his followers for 30 days to complete investigations into the matter.

Makenzi's lawyer, George Kariuki, told the court that the prosecution had not demonstrated whether the people alleged to be starved by the pastor had started eating following his arrest last Friday and that allegations of people starving had not been supported by any medical report.

He said the prosecution's averments were merely for convincing the court to cancel the Sh10,000 cash bail, adding that his client was ready to stay away from Kilifi County for the entire 30 days being sought to allow the investigators to do their job without interference.

She said officers were also investigating allegations of money laundering in respect to the alleged 800 acres owned by Pastor Makenzi.

Those arraigned in court included Pastor Makenzi, Robert Kahindi Katana, Alfred Asena, Sanga Stephen Muye, Gideon Mbithi Kioko, Joseph Kenga Mbogoli, Stephen Ominde Lwangu, Collins Kabae, Felix Wandera, David Mbaya, Mercy Auko, Jane Nyaboke, Paul Karisa and Allan Robiko.

They were rescued in a police operation in Shakahola village on Saturday and taken to Malindi subcounty hospital for medical attention before being held on Sunday immediately after being discharged