The officer in charge of Shimo la Tewa Maximum Prison, Abdi Willy Adan appeared before the Tononoka Children’s Court Principal Nelly Chepchirchir to respond to allegations by controversial preacher Paul Mackenzie that his life is in danger while in custody.
Mackenzie, who is facing charges in connection with the Shakahola massacre, claimed that suspicious substances had been planted in his prison cell to harm him. However, Adan dismissed the claims as unfounded, telling the court that all security measures at the facility are intact.
The officer recounted his routine patrols of the prison, including on Saturday when he visited several blocks.
He noted that while Block B—housing Shakahola suspects—was not inspected that day, he did check Block F, which is under construction for terror-related convicts, and Block G, where Mackenzie is held.
During the visit, Adan said he met Mackenzie in his facility where they exchanged greetings and later Mackenzie requested to be transferred to Manyani Prison, citing a desire for a change of environment.
The officer declined, explaining that because of the gravity of the charges, Mackenzie must remain in a maximum-security facility.
He also noted that it would be costly for the government to transport the accused between Manyani and Mombasa for court hearings.
Adan further told the court he was surprised by Mackenzie’s allegations of planted items, noting that prisoners are always frisked before leaving or re-entering the facility. “The prison does not provide bottled water. I want to know how the accused ended up with such items,” he said.
He presented the prison’s visitor register showing the last visit to the prison facility was on August 28, 2025. He also dismissed Mackenzie’s claim of being on a hunger strike, saying records show the last such protest was in February.
According to him, Mackenzie, Mzee Smart Deri and Steve wa Mtwapa continue to take meals, as the other co-accused refuse food since yesterday.
On communication concerns raised by the accused, Adan clarified that different categories of prisoners have designated days to contact relatives and lawyers.
He said Mackenzie’s group missed their scheduled day only because they were in court, not because they were denied access.
The prosecution led by Jami Yamina, Rubia Betty, J.V. Owiti, Biasha Khalifa, and Ngina Mutua opposed the defence’s bid to adjourn proceedings on grounds of a hunger strike. “This appears deliberate by the accused person to delay justice,” said Rubia, stressing that six prosecution witnesses were already in court and ready to testify.
The magistrate rejected the adjournment application, ruling that self-imposed hunger strikes were not a valid reason to stall proceedings.
The court also directed that the accused be granted access to communicate with their lawyers.
Mackenzie and 34 others are facing charges of crimes against children.
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