Controversial preacher Paul Mackenzie, who is currently remanded at Shimo La Tewa Maximum Prison facing Shakahola massacre charges, has claimed his life is in danger. He alleges that harmful substances were planted in his cell as part of an attempted poisoning plot. Tuko.co.ke – Kenya news.+2The Star+2
What Did He Say?
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Mackenzie told the Tononoka Children’s Court that he found a whitish residue around the neck of a bottled water, and broken glass fragments at the spot where he usually eats. Tuko.co.ke – Kenya news.+2The Free Library+2
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He said the objects appeared suspicious, prompting him to fear for his safety. His legal team has asked for protection and for prison authorities to investigate the matter. The Free Library+1
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He also claimed he had been refusing food (or had concerns about eating) since he felt unsafe. The Free Library+1
Prison Authorities’ Response
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Officer in Charge Abdi Willy Adan has strongly dismissed Mackenzie’s allegations. He says the prison maintains strict security protocols, including searching inmates whenever they move in and out of cells. The Star+2Kahawatungu+2
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He pointed out that the prison does not provide bottled water, questioning the origin of the water bottle Mackenzie referred to. The Standard+2The Star+2
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Adan also said that prison inspections had been done recently, including checking the block where Mackenzie is held, and no dangerous items were discovered. The Star+2The Eastleigh Voice News+2
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On the issue of communication with lawyers and family, he said that schedules exist and Mackenzie’s group missed their session only because they were attending court. The Star+1
Legal & Human Rights Dimension
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The Tononoka Children’s Court, under Principal Magistrate Nelly Chepchirchir, has ordered that the prison boss appear in court to answer to the allegations. The Free Library+2Tuko.co.ke – Kenya news.+2
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The court also directed that the food (and water) served to Mackenzie should be given under supervision of judicial officers and his counsel. The items in question (water bottle, broken glass, etc.) were ordered to be preserved as exhibits for investigation. The Free Library
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Human rights groups, including the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), have flagged concerns about alleged mistreatment, solitary confinement, and psychological stress experienced by Mackenzie. Nation Africa+1
Implications & What to Watch
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If the poisoning claims are substantiated, this could raise serious issues of prisoner safety, rights to basic protections, and oversight of maximum security prisons in Kenya.
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The case could also impact Mackenzie’s defence, especially if his concerns are seen as interfering with his ability to participate fairly in court proceedings.
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There is the potential for further investigations or reform in how prison authorities handle high-profile detainees, especially regarding transparency of food/water supply and cell inspections.
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Public perception: allegations of this type often earn strong reactions from church communities, human rights supporters, and the general public — depending on how credible evidence appears.
Conclusion
Paul Mackenzie’s allegations that his life is in danger via a poisoning plot have added to an already complex legal battle given the gravity of the Shakahola charges. As prison authorities dismiss the claims, the courts now have a role to play in ensuring that proper investigations are carried out. The outcome could bear on both Mackenzie’s safety and broader standards of detention conditions in Kenya.
