Blow to controversial pastor Paul Mackenzie as two of his lawyers withdraw services

Two lawyers, George Kariuki and Elisha Komora, who were representing controversial preacher Paul Mackenzie and his co-accused have withdrawn their services in the case before the Shanzu Law Courts.

Speaking to the media on Wednesday, they said the withdrawal was due to frustration from the state in handling the case against their clients.

“Since the beginning of the case, despite our calls for our clients to be treated well, our efforts have been in vain,” said Kariuki.

His words were echoed by Komora who pinned their withdrawal on interference from the State.

“We have tried begging them to make it easier for us to reach our clients while in police cells, but the state is giving mere reasons,” said Komora.

“For that reason and others raised by my colleague Mr Kariuki, I also withdraw my services for the suspect Mackenzie and the rest,” added Mr Komora.

Meanwhile, a third lawyer, Wycliffe Makasembo, said he would continue representing the suspects.

“For Whichever case, I will stand with Mackenzie and the rest until further a do, nothing will make me abandon them," he said.

“But what I want to insist is for the state to make it easy for this matter to continue.”

However, Makasembo has expressed the feeling that, in the end, the suspects will get justice.

He has urged the chief magistrate of the Shanzu Law courts in Mombasa Yusuf Shikanda to stay away from any external pressures trying to control the flow of the case.