Two lawyers representing cult leader Paul Mackenzie and 28 other suspects have requested to recuse themselves from the case, citing frustrations in trying to access the suspects and concerns about the fairness of the trial.
Lawyers George Kariuki and Elisha Komora said they have been unable to meet with their clients for several weeks, and that they have been threatened and harassed by unknown individuals. They also expressed concern that the suspects are being held in inhumane conditions, and that they may not receive a fair trial.
“With the challenges that the suspects are going through and the current circumstances, I feel my conscience is disturbed,” Kariuki said. “I am afraid that justice may not be served if I continue to represent them.”
The third lawyer representing the suspects, Wycliffe Makasembo, said he will continue to represent them. He said he believes that the suspects are being unfairly targeted by the government, and that he is committed to ensuring that they receive a fair trial.
“I feel there is an invisible hand trying to frustrate Mackenzie and others,” Makasembo said. “This hand is none other than the state. Personally, I will stick with Mackenzie and the others to death or when I will feel I have had enough and also run away.”
The case against Mackenzie and the other suspects is still in its early stages. It is unclear whether the court will grant the lawyers’ request to recuse themselves.
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