Murkomen Confirms Paul Mackenzie Will Serve 200-Year Sentence in Exclusive Custody

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has allayed fears of the controversial preacher Paul Mackenzie influencing other individuals while serving his 200-year prison sentence.

Speaking during a church service in Ikolomani Constituency in Kakamega County on Sunday, November 8, Murkomen said the government would provide a secluded area to hold Mackenzie, ensuring he could not influence other inmates or spread extremist religious teachings.

He explained that the arrangement was intended to prevent further radicalisation, particularly by individuals who might follow Mackenzie's teachings and establish similar religious movements.

"We will provide a secluded area to hold him to make sure that there will be no radicalization again by the type of McKenzie's in this country," Murkomen stated.

This was after reports of him trying to radicalise police officers and fellow cell mates began making rounds before his imprisonment on November 5.

Exclusive custody entails keeping a prisoner in a separate, secured detention facility or designated section away from the general prison population, with restricted contact with other inmates and outsiders.

The arrangement allows prison authorities to closely monitor the individual, control visitors and communication, and prevent potential threats such as intimidation, recruitment, radicalisation or the influence of other prisoners.

However, it does not mean the prisoner is exempt from normal legal rights, court procedures or prison regulations.

The CS credited the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) and Judiciary for their roles in prosecuting Mackenzie.

Murkomen added that the government would continue supporting the institutions and working with the Judiciary to strengthen efforts aimed at protecting Kenyans.

The CS also announced that the government would take firm action against religious organisations found promoting extremism and radicalisation across the country.

Meanwhile, residents of Kilifi County have demanded accountability from chiefs and sub-chiefs accused of failing to report Mackenzie's growing radicalisation activities.

The residents argue that local administrators ignored early warning signs, including unusual movements, school dropouts, and the indoctrination of followers within their jurisdictions.

They maintain that chiefs and sub-chiefs should have alerted security agencies before Mackenzie's teachings contributed to the Shakahola tragedy, where more than 400 people died.

Mackenzie had previous encounters with authorities dating back to 2017, while investigations raised questions about how his followers relocated to the 800-acre Chakama Ranch without the knowledge of the local leaders.