Controversial preacher Paul Makenzi, the prime suspect in the Shakahola massacre, has told the High Court that his life is in danger while being held at Shimo la Tewa Maximum Security Prison in Mombasa.
Appearing before Justice Diana Mochache, Makenzi claimed that there is “bad blood” between him and the prison’s head, alleging that a recent confrontation amounted to an attempted assassination.
“My life is not safe. There are people inside Shimo la Tewa who want to eliminate me,” Makenzi told the court, insisting that he has been subjected to intimidation and harassment by some prison officers.
His lawyers supported the claims and urged the court to order enhanced security measures, including the possibility of transferring him to another correctional facility pending the outcome of his ongoing trial.
Justice Mochache directed that the allegations be formally recorded and referred to the Kenya Prisons Service for immediate investigation and response.
Makenzi, together with several co-accused, faces multiple counts of murder, manslaughter, and radicalization in connection with the Shakahola tragedy, where hundreds of his followers allegedly starved to death in Kilifi County under his instructions.
