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Suspected Shakahola cult leader Paul Mackenzie (pictured), his wife Rhoda Mumbua and 17 of his aides, now want the case being levelled against them to be heard and determined at the International Court of Justice.

Through lawyer Wycliffe Makasembo, the suspects now claim they cannot get justice in Kenyan courts and want their cases transferred to the United Nations.

In his application before Shanzu Senior Resident Magistrate Yusuf Shikanda, Makasembo attributed his client’s request to have the matter heard at the international court to what he said was increased pressure by the Executive on the police and the Judiciary.

“Utterances made yesterday by the Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki that if the suspects are released by the court, they will continue being held in the cells forever are in bad faith and are meant to interfere with the judicial proceedings of this matter. My clients take offense with the utterances made since they are sub-judice,” said Makasembo.

Boycott court

The suspects further say that because of the kind of utterances by the CS, they were apprehensive that they would not be accorded fair hearing in any court in the country.

“The government has already formed its opinion that my clients are guilty. They are yet to be charged and the CS has already assumed them to be guilty,” he said.

The suspects also threatened to boycott court sessions until their grievances are addressed.

“Until the court issues a directive, clarifying that the suspects will be accorded fair hearing, they will boycott coming to the court and remain in their cells,” said Makasembo.

 There are also claims that State agencies were unable to ferry the suspects to Shanzu Law Courts and were produced at the Malindi Police Station where it is  believed they met part of the defense team.

According to Makasembo, State agencies were unable to ferry the suspects due to lack of fuel.

But a letter addressed to the trial magistrate indicated that the parties had in consent sought for an adjournment to tomorrow (Friday) since the defense  counsel wanted to meet their clients before the court session.