Two lead lawyers in the case of controversial preacher Paul Mackenzie have withdrawn from the case.
The lawyers, George Kariuki and Elisha Komora, have cited frustrations in accessing the preacher who is in detention alongside his co-accused.
“With the challenges that the suspects are going through and the current circumstances, I feel my conscience is disturbed,” Kariuki said.
The defense lawyers have also cited threats to their lives, arguing that justice might not be served in the case. Kariuki says most of the suspects are in bad shape and might die before trial.
“They have been sleeping on the floor for 60 days. It defeats justice… Surely, they might become sick and die before trial,” he added.
The third lawyer, Wycliffe Makasembo, has vowed to stick with Mackenzie to the end, although he has accused the government of frustrating the case.
“I feel there is an invisible hand trying to frustrate Mackenzie and others. This hand is none other than the state. Personally, I will stick with Mackenzie and the others to death or when I will feel I have had enough and also run away,” Makasembo said.
Meanwhile, Shanzu court has ordered that Mackenzie and his followers be detained at Malindi GK prison.
The weak ones, who have been on hunger strike for 14 days will be taken to hospital, and a report filed in court.
