Shakahola: Prison boss dismisses Pastor Paul Mackenzie’s claims of threats at Shimo la Tewa

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The officer in charge of Shimo la Tewa Maximum Prison, Mr Abdi Willy Adan, has dismissed claims by preacher Paul Mackenzie that his life is in danger while in custody.

Mr Adan made the remarks on Monday when he appeared before Principal Magistrate Hon. Nelly Chepchirchir at the Tononoka Children’s Court to respond to the allegations.

Mackenzie, who is facing charges in connection with the Shakahola massacre, had told the court that suspicious substances had been planted in his cell to harm him.

Mr Adan rejected the claims, describing them as unfounded, and assured the court that all security measures at the prison remain intact.

He narrated his recent patrols of the facility, noting that on Saturday he inspected several blocks, including Block F, which is being prepared for terror-related convicts, and Block G, where Mackenzie is held.

He said Block B, which houses other Shakahola suspects, was not visited that day.

During the inspection, Mr Adan said he met Mackenzie, who greeted him before requesting a transfer to Manyani Prison.

According to Mr Adan, the request was declined as Mackenzie is required to remain in a maximum-security facility, and moving him to Manyani would also increase costs for the state in transporting him to Mombasa for hearings.

Mr Adan told the court he was surprised by Mackenzie’s allegations of planted items, explaining that inmates are frisked before leaving or re-entering their cells.

“The prison does not provide bottled water. I want to know how the accused ended up with such items,” he said.

He tabled the prison’s visitor register, showing the last recorded visit was on 28 August 2025.

On claims that he was on hunger strike, Mr Adan said records showed Mackenzie last refused meals in February.

He said Mackenzie and some of his co-accused, including Mzee Smart Deri and Steve wa Mtwapa, are still eating, while others only began refusing food on Sunday.

Responding to concerns about communication, Mr Adan clarified that prisoners are allowed specific days to call relatives and lawyers.

He added that Mackenzie’s group missed their last slot only because they were in court, not because access was denied.

The prosecution team—led by Ms Jami Yamina, Ms Rubia Betty, Mr J.V. Owiti, Ms Biasha Khalifa and Ms Ngina Mutua—opposed the defence’s attempt to adjourn the proceedings, arguing that the hunger strike claims were aimed at delaying the trial.

“This appears deliberate by the accused person to delay justice,” said Ms Rubia, noting that six prosecution witnesses were already present in court.

Magistrate Chepchirchir rejected the adjournment request, ruling that self-imposed hunger strikes could not be used to stall proceedings.

She, however, directed that Mackenzie and his co-accused be granted access to communicate with their lawyers.

Mackenzie and 34 others are facing charges of crimes against children stemming from the Shakahola tragedy.