Controversial preacher of the hunger cult Paul Mackenzie and his co-accused in the Shakahola massacre case appeared before the High Court in Mombasa to hear the outcome of their bond applications.

Several of his Good News International Ministries church members appeared weak and most likely had not eaten for days.

Some could not stand in the dock, and it was said that they were on a hunger strike and had not eaten in the previous three days.

High Court Judge Alex Ithuku directed that they remain in the court's holding area and be represented by a lawyer throughout the proceedings.

Mackenzie and 38 of his co-accused were charged with 17 charges of child abuse, including torture, assault, cruelty, and violation of a child's right to an education, during their court appearance last week.

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The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions said it was requesting that the court deny the suspects' bond on the grounds that they are flight risks.

Paul Mackenzie and his co-accused have been implicated in the starving deaths of over 200 men, women, and children.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the 31 of january, Interior Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kithure Kindiki said the declaration is in accordance with Section 22(1) of the Prevention of Organised Crimes Act.

 "Where the Minister has reasonable grounds to believe that a specified group is engaged in any organized criminal activity under section 3 of this Act, he may, on the advice of the Commissioner of Police, by notice, declare that specified group an organized criminal group for the purposes of this Act."