In a recent development, the government has submitted a new request to the court, urging the detention of controversial preacher Paul Makenzie and his fellow suspects for an additional six months, equivalent to 180 days. The Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Jami Yamina, made this plea before Senior Principal Magistrate Yusuf Shikanda, citing the need for more time for investigators to conclude their inquiry into the Shakahola massacre.
This application comes after the expiration of a previous court order that had extended the detention of Makenzie and his associates by 47 days. The DPP’s office clarified in the application that the extended duration is necessary due to the complexities surrounding the DNA profiling process, which pathologists estimate will take at least six months to definitively establish the identities of the exhumed bodies.
Supporting this application was an affidavit filed by Chief Inspector Raphael Wanjohi, highlighting the delicate, costly, and time-consuming nature of DNA profiling for the 429 bodies unearthed from the Shakahola forest. However, the court decided to postpone the hearing of this application to allow legal representatives of Makenzie and his co-suspects an opportunity to submit their responses.
Simultaneously, the probation service has also requested a 30-day extension to complete the social inquiry report. The next update on this matter is scheduled for October 12, 2023.
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