A Kenyan court has released on bail a woman whose husband is accused of being responsible for the deaths of hundreds of people.
Rhoda Maweu, who is married to the cult leader and self-styled pastor Paul Mackenzie, had been in custody for 62 days.
But when it came to Mr Mackenzie himself, along with 16 other co-accused, the court ruled that they should remain in custody for another 30 days.
Lawyers have been arguing whether it is legal for police to hold the suspects for so long, but the magistrate says their continued detention is justified because it's in the public interest.
At least 339 people linked to the Good News International Church are believed to have either starved themselves to death, were badly beaten or strangled at the Shakahola Forest in south-eastern Kenya.
The Kenya Red Cross says 600 people are still missing.
The state pointed out that the investigations were yet to be concluded, and that the hunger strike staged by the suspects in custody had slowed the process.
The suspects’ lawyer, Wycliffe Makasembo, further said that the prosecution and the police were on a fishing expedition: with no idea of the likely charges and whether they will charge the respondents. Two other lawyers for the suspects have recused themselves.
The next hearing will be on 1 August.
Latest Stories
-
We may all resort to vote buying if electorates prioritise such over development – Asiedu Nketiah
27 mins -
NDF engages mineral extraction communities in advocacy and litigation resolution
31 mins -
Adabraka in community A/R unites to combat electoral violence
39 mins -
Forestry Commission cracks down on endangered bush meat trade
39 mins -
Global GDP could plunge by 24% by 2,100 without urgent climate action
40 mins -
High Court dismisses lecturer’s bid to block Deputy IGP’s appointment
48 mins -
MTN records 35.5% growth in profit to GH¢3.76bn in quarter 3, 2024
1 hour -
Deloitte to hold training on navigating customs and excise duty Obligations
1 hour -
Akufo-Addo, Bawumia should have prioritised National Peace Campaign launch – Mahama
1 hour -
AGI works to clamp down on substandard foreign mattresses penetrating Ghanaian markets
1 hour -
Immigration Service intercepts 54 gallons of fuel
1 hour -
Ace Medical Insurance makes its mark at Ghana Club 100 Awards
1 hour -
Dafeamekpor takes Speaker to High Court to affirm vacant seats ruling
1 hour -
Government is not funding GMX music streaming platform – Director of Marketing
2 hours -
Energy sector not advancing enough – ACEP
2 hours