Pastor Paul Nthenge Makenzi of the Good News International church, who has been accused of encouraging his followers to fast to death, will remain in police custody for another 14 days to allow investigations to be completed.
Six of his followers will also remain in custody for 14 days, while seven others, who have refused to eat even while in police custody, will be held for seven days for counseling.
Makenzi appeared before Malindi Chief Magistrate Elizabeth Usui and was not required to plead to any charges. The prosecution had requested for 30 more days to hold him but the court granted 14 days instead.
One of the suspects, who was identified as a victim, had requested to be released to continue with his fasting in Shakahola, but the magistrate cancelled the police bond and held the suspects in custody to prevent witness interference and to ensure that further unlawful activities do not take place.
The police had requested 30 days to complete investigations, but Makenzi’s lawyer had argued that there was no evidence that the alleged victims of starvation had started eating and that there was no medical report supporting the allegations.
Senior Public Prosecution Counsel Vivian Kambaga argued that the police had provided compelling reasons to continue holding the suspects and had demonstrated why they could interfere with the investigations.
Seven more victims of the alleged cult were rescued on Sunday and taken to the Malindi police station for questioning.
