Prison chief dismisses Mackenzie’s poisoning allegations
Mackenzie, who has been locked up for over two years in relation to the Shakahola massacre, had told the court that harmful substances were planted in his cell to harm him.
Shimo la Tewa Maximum Security Prison commander Abdi Adan has rejected claims by cult leader Paul Mackenzie that there was an attempt to poison him while in custody.
Mackenzie, who has been locked up for over two years in relation to the Shakahola massacre, had told the court that harmful substances were planted in his cell to harm him.
Appearing before Tononoka Children’s Court principal magistrate Nelly Chepchirchir on Wednesday, Adan described the allegations as unfounded.
He said he regularly inspects the facility, including a recent Saturday patrol where he checked several blocks.
According to him, he visited Block F, which houses inmates linked to terror offences, and Block G, where Mackenzie is held, but did not cover Block B, where other Shakahola suspects are detained.
Adan testified that during the inspection, he greeted Mackenzie, who later asked to be transferred to Manyani prison, saying he wanted “a change of environment.”
He declined the request, insisting that Mackenzie’s charges demand he remain in a maximum-security facility. He added that moving him would increase government transport costs since he still has pending court sessions in Mombasa.
On the poisoning claims, Adan said he was surprised because all inmates are thoroughly frisked before entering or leaving their cells. He also questioned how Mackenzie accessed bottled water, noting the prison does not supply it.
The prison boss presented visitor records showing Mackenzie’s last registered visit was on August 28 this year. He also dismissed reports that Mackenzie was on hunger strike, stating that the last such protest was recorded in February.
Records indicated Mackenzie, alongside co-accused Mzee Smart Deri and Steve wa Mtwapa, continue to take meals, although some of the other suspects started refusing food on Tuesday.
Responding to complaints about restricted communication, Adan explained that prisoners have designated days to contact relatives and lawyers.
He said Mackenzie’s group missed their last turn only because they were in court that day, not because they were denied access.
Prosecutors Jami Yamina, Rubia Betty, JV Owiti, Biasha Khalifa and Ngina Mutua opposed the defence request to adjourn the case over the alleged hunger strike. “This appears deliberate by the accused person to delay justice,” said Rubia.
