The Shanzu High Court rejected suspected cult leader Paul Mackenzie's plea to be excused from appearing before the Ad-hoc committee investigating the Shakahola massacre in the Senate. This decision dealt a significant setback to him.

The court observed that it lacked jurisdiction to make a decision in its ruling on Thursday, October 19.

"This is not the right forum. It is not for this court to direct the Senate or to speak for the Senate on what they should and should not do."

"So i decline to give any direction whether it is right or not. I cannot explain what they meant by certain terms they used, that is not my job," the judge clarified.

On October 12, Mackenzie asked the judge to halt the Senate Committee's attempt to interrogate him.

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Mackenzie contended that he wasn't ready to appear before the committee until his case had been heard and decided through his attorney, Wycliffe Makasembo.