High Court Orders Mental Assessment for Paul Mackenzie and Seven Co-Accused in Kwa Binzaro Deaths Case

A High Court in Mombasa has directed controversial preacher Paul Nthenge Mackenzie and his seven co-accused to undergo psychiatric evaluation to determine their mental fitness before they can enter pleas on murder charges related to deaths discovered at Kwa Binzaro in Kilifi County.

Lady Justice Wendy Kagendo issued the order on Thursday, February 12, 2026, halting further proceedings on the murder counts until the assessments are completed. The court ruled that the eight suspects must be escorted to a hospital for the psychiatric examinations to establish whether they are fit to stand trial and plead to the serious allegations.

Mackenzie will continue to be held in custody at Shimo la Tewa Prison, while the seven co-accused have been remanded at Malindi GK Prison. The prosecution has been instructed to file and serve an application opposing any release on bond for the suspects by February 16, 2026.

The case stems from the discovery of additional bodies in shallow graves at Kwa Binzaro, a location about 30 kilometers from the Shakahola forest where hundreds of deaths linked to Mackenzie's Good News International Church were previously uncovered. Prosecutors allege that Mackenzie masterminded and oversaw offenses at Kwa Binzaro, including continuing to direct activities even after his initial detention in 2023, using radical teachings to lure victims to the remote site.

The suspects face murder charges connected to the Kwa Binzaro deaths. Earlier on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, they appeared before Senior Principal Magistrate Eric Wambo at Shanzu Law Courts and were charged with 29 counts of manslaughter. In a separate session before Shanzu Senior Principal Magistrate Leah Juma, they faced six counts related to radicalisation, membership in an organised criminal group, and involvement in terrorism-related activities. The group denied those charges.

All three related cases, including the manslaughter counts, the radicalisation and terrorism charges, and the murder charges, are scheduled for mention on March 4, 2026. At that hearing, the court will review the results of the mental assessments and decide on the next steps, particularly whether the suspects can proceed to plead on the murder charges.

This development follows the recovery of 52 bodies from shallow graves in and around Kwa Binzaro by August 2025, expanding the scope of investigations into the activities associated with Mackenzie's teachings. The High Court's decision prioritizes ensuring the accused are mentally capable of participating in the trial process before advancing to plea-taking on the gravest accusations.