Even while the investigation into his Good News International Church cult continues, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Noordin Haji has ordered police to seize the property of controversial Paul Mackenzie.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, DPP Haji expressed astonishment and dismay at what he termed as atrocious acts done by pastor Mackenzie and his cult in Malindi's Shakahola village, Kilifi County.
The DPP's comments come a day after touring Mackenzie's 800-acre property, where 17 remains have subsequently been exhumed, and vowed to prosecute the notorious pastor and his co-accused to the full extent.
According to him, preliminary investigations show that the suspects may have committed major crimes such as murder, soliciting, counselling, and assisting people to commit suicide, terrorist acts affecting the country's security and safety, and radicalization.
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The Penal Code, the Prevention of Terrorism Act, the International Crimes Act, and the Proceeds of Crime and Anti-Money Laundering Act, among others, are all violated.
Furthermore, the ODPP has directed investigators to identify the suspects' assets under the law for preservation, confiscation, and forfeiture.
This comes after the death toll from Tuesday's Shakahola tragedy climbed to 90 as 17 more victims were recovered from shallow graves throughout the enormous expanse of land.
During the raid, the multi-agency team rescued three persons and detained two additional defendants for their roles in enticing Mackenzi's followers to starvation.
Prof. Kithure Kindiki, Interior Cabinet Secretary (CS), proposed charging the preacher with terrorism and genocide before the International Criminal Court.
The CS made the remarks while touring Shakahola forest on Tuesday to examine the situation.
