Kenyan Newspapers Review: Court Orders Investigations Into Alleged Mistreatment Of Paul Mackenzie In Prison

On Saturday, August 12, the local dailies delved into the politics surrounding talks between President William Ruto's Kenya Kwanza Alliance and Raila Odinga-led Azimio La Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party.

The newspapers also highlighted the mounting calls for Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome to resign following his latest sentiments on demonstrators allegedly killed by the police.

1. Taifa Leo

The Swahili publication reported the Shanzu Law Court had ordered the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) to investigate allegations of torture against the leader of the Kilifi sect, Paul Mackenzie, and his associates, who are currently held in three prisons.

The investigation will take place in the Shimo La Tewa, Kilifi, and Malindi GK prisons, where the detainees are held with charges related to the Shakahola deaths.

"KNCHR is directed to investigate the complaints raised by the suspects regarding mistreatment in these three prisons and to submit a report to the court within two weeks for appropriate legal action," said Senior Chief Magistrate Yusuf Shikanda of Shanzu.

Furthermore, Shikanda ordered the officials overseeing these three prisons to allow KNCHR officers and the suspects' lawyers to investigate these complaints.

These instructions were issued after Mackenzie complained of being mistreated by the officials, particularly in the inadequate confinement.

According to their lawyer, Wycliffe Makasembo, the detainees are subjected to mental and psychological torture in the G.K Shimo La Tewa prison, where Mackenzie is held with a few others.

"The prison authorities have not provided any reason for placing Mackenzie in solitary confinement," he said.

In his report to the court, the lawyer expressed concern that officials at Shimo La Tewa prison have been subjecting Mackenzie to mistreatment.

They have also disregarded the court's previous order allowing him to communicate with his people only in the absence of guards.

"That officer threatened Mackenzie in my presence and vowed to discipline him. He said he would ensure their presence (the officials) whenever anyone visits Mackenzie, whether they are on duty or on leave," the lawyer stated in his report.

The court was informed that Mackenzie fears for his life due to the behaviour of three prison officers, who have been consistently aggressive and have ignored all court orders.

2. The Star

According to the publication, police in Rarieda, Siaya, have raided a home and rescued eight sickly family members who had refused medical attention, citing religious teachings.

The police said they had been informed about the two families refusing to take their sick children to the hospital as it was against the teachings of Christo Church doctrines.

Police went to the home of one David Owego and found his three children and wife lying sick and praying.

The team also raided the home of a neighbour and found three other children and a wife sick, whereas a man who was offering basic education at the home was arrested.

The mothers of the children were also detained and would be charged with willfully neglecting to take sick children to the hospital under the Children Act 2022.

Another woman had her two-year-old son taken to hospital as police detained her while two other children aged six and four were taken to a children’s home.

Most of those in the practice cite religion for the same amid calls for action to tame the trend.

3. The Standard

The publication reported that a sitting governor and a former governor were among the individuals recommended for prosecution in a multi-billion shillings scandal unearthed by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC).

In its quarterly report on investigations between April and June, the agency said the suspected individuals conspired to steal more than KSh 20 billion through fake contracts and payments.

Top of its recommendation is the prosecution of a governor, officials from Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) and Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (KETRACO) over the construction of the Lake Turkana Wind Power project that led to the loss of over KSh 18 billion.

The report recommends the prosecution of the officials for conspiracy to commit an offence of economic crime, abuse of office, conflict of interest, failure to comply with procurement laws, fraudulent acquisition of public funds, money laundering, and neglect of duty.

Investigations showed that in 2005, Lake Turkana Wind Power (LTWP) Ltd leased 150,000 acres of land in Marsabit, North Horr Area, to put up a wind power generation plant and, in 2010, entered into a power purchase agreement with KPLC.

The agreement was that LTWP Ltd would generate 300MW of electricity and that KPLC would be the sole off-taker.

Since KPLC needed to transfer the generated power to the National Grid in Suswa, they contracted KETRACO to do the power line.

4. Dialy Nation

The publication reported that US Senator Chris Coons, who was instrumental in the 2018 handshake between former President Uhuru Kenyatta and opposition leader Raila Odinga, is set to arrive in Kenya ahead of the 2022 post-election crisis talks.

Senator Coons is scheduled to meet with Raila on Sunday, August 13, and it is possible that he will also meet with Ruto.

The senator's visit comes amid growing international pressure on the two sides to reach a peaceful resolution to the crisis that has gripped the country.

Senator Coons was in Kenya last August, immediately after the elections, and held talks with retired president Uhuru Kenyatta, Ruto, and Raila.

Coons is viewed by most as a trusted mediator, and his presence in Kenya projects a sign that the international community is committed to helping the two sides find a solution.