Shakahola Women Suspects Cause Stir at Shimo La Tewa, Call Officers ‘Maids’
In a tense standoff at Shimo La Tewa Women’s Prison, 39 women suspects linked to the Shakahola deaths have been causing disruptions by taunting prison officers and staging a hunger strike.
The women, part of the 93 suspects detained alongside cult leader Paul Mackenzie, are facing charges related to the deaths of over 400 people in Shakahola Forest, Kilifi County. The suspects, however, claim they are being mistreated and harassed by prison staff, leading to mounting tensions at the facility.
Mombasa Chief Magistrate Alex Ithuku has summoned the head of Shimo La Tewa Women’s Prison to address the escalating situation. Senior Superintendent Silvensia Oyugi, who oversees the prison, testified that the suspects have been acting provocatively toward the officers. “For instance, the suspects have been calling police officers ‘maids’ to provoke them,” Oyugi explained.
This derogatory term has heightened tensions, with some women refusing to cooperate with the authorities.
Additionally, Oyugi noted that several of the suspects, many of whom suffer from illnesses like pneumonia and persistent coughs, have refused to take their prescribed medication.
Some women are also battling terminal diseases such as cancer and HIV/AIDS, making the situation more dire. Oyugi recounted a disturbing incident in July when one of the suspects, believed to be HIV positive, bit an officer’s hand, forcing the officer to undergo a 21-day PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) treatment.
The accusations against the prison staff, particularly claims of strip searches, have added to the controversy. However, Oyugi clarified that such searches are part of routine procedures and are conducted privately.
The Mombasa Chief Magistrate is expected to give further directions on Thursday regarding the situation at the prison. The case against Mackenzie and his co-accused continues, with charges including 238 counts of manslaughter, torture, terrorism, and murder.
Testimonies from witnesses, including a minor under the Witness Protection Agency, have shed light on Mackenzie’s twisted religious practices.
The minor revealed that Mackenzie ordered his followers to fast, starting with children, in a disturbing ritual that led to the tragic deaths in Shakahola.
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Shakahola Women Suspects Cause Stir at Shimo La Tewa, Call Officers ‘Maids’
