In a landmark court ruling, Paul Mackenzie a key figure linked to the Shakahola massacre, was convicted for his involvement in illicit film studio operations tied to his radical preaching by a Malindi court.
The Malindi court, led by Senior Resident Magistrate Olga Onalo, found Mackenzie guilty on multiple counts, mainly related to exhibiting unapproved films to the public and possessing/distributing unclassified materials.
The charges against Mackenzie stemmed from his activities in operating a film studio without the necessary license from the Kenya Film Classification Board.
Under the Films and Stage Play Act, Cap. 222 of Kenya's laws, Mackenzie was found in breach of regulations, conducting unlicensed film production and exhibiting to the public.
The court's scrutiny revealed Mackenzie's involvement in displaying and disseminating films, jointly with unnamed others, on two specific occasions in 2019 at the Good News International Church in Malindi Township, Kilifi County.
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The verdict highlighted his lack of proper approval or classification for these film materials.
In a decisive ruling, Magistrate Onalo underscored the compelling evidence presented by the prosecution team, led by Senior Prosecution Counsel Joseph Mwangi and Prosecution Counsel Kennedy Kirui.
The evidence included incriminating videos capturing Mackenzie's radical sermons, leaving no reasonable doubt about his involvement.
Mackenzie's admission that Times Television, the platform for his unlicensed film exhibitions, belonged to his church further solidified the case against him.
Detectives recovered film DVDs featuring his preachings on end-time subjects, reinforcing the allegations.
However, Mackenzie was absolved of specific charges related to incitement against schooling for children and inciting religious animosity against Hindus, Buddhists, and Muslims.
As the court moves forward, a pre-sentence report has been ordered to gauge the prosecution's sentiments, conducted by the Probation and Aftercare Services.
The prosecution has also been directed to submit recommendations for sentencing, with the next mention of the case scheduled for December 1st, 2023.
This ruling marks a crucial step in the legal proceedings against Mackenzie, a significant figure associated with the Shakahola massacre.
The conviction underscores the imperative compliance with film production and distribution laws in Kenya and emphasizes accountability in using media, particularly for religious purposes.
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