Cultic pastor, Paul Mackenzie, was on Tuesday, May 2, rearrested after the Malindi court temporarily released him.

The pastor was detained and set to face terrorism charges at Shanzu High Court in Kilifi County.

Prosecutors also sought to detain Mackenzie for 3 months as investigations into the Shakahola massacre continue. 

Six suspects arrested alongside the controversial Pastor Paul Mackenzie were also released unconditionally.

In a ruling delivered at the Shanzu Law Courts in Malindi, the Magistrate noted that the eighth and 10th suspects had already been in custody for 10 days since their arrest on April 17, which was their maximum period for detention.

The court further observed that the first and seventh suspects had applied for anticipatory bail, which could only be approved by the High Court, leading to their release.

"This court cannot, in its capacity, give any formal anticipatory bail as there is no formal application to hold the suspects. As it is, anticipatory bail is taken from the High Court.

"Any application for bail can be made before the specialised court once they are arraigned. In this regard, this miscellaneous file is therefore closed. The suspects are at liberty to leave unless they are again otherwise withheld," the magistrate directed.

Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome revealed on Monday, April 24, that the controversial pastor had a criminal record that dated back to 2017 when he was linked to claims of radical teachings that saw students skip school.

However, when he faced trial in 2018, Koome stated that he denied the charges and was released on a Ksh500,000 bond.

He was later on March 17, 2023, arrested again after some of his congregants fasted to death allegedly under his directive. 

“According to our criminal records, Mackenzie has a record dating back to 2017. The most recent report was made on March 17, 2023. In the report, he was linked to the death of 2 children.

"He was re-arrested on April 14, 2023, after presenting himself to police. Thereafter, he was arraigned on April 17, 2023. A custodial order of 14 days was enacted to enable the police to conclude investigations," Koome stated.