A cult chief arrested in Kenya over 400 deaths should endure psychological well being checks earlier than being charged, a choose has stated.

Paul Mackenzie was detained in April final yr after lots of of our bodies had been present in mass graves.

Most confirmed indicators of hunger, however some – kids amongst them – might have been assaulted.

Mackenzie, a self-proclaimed pastor accused of main a doomsday cult, has denied accountability for the deaths.

Prosecutors have stated they may cost him and 94 others with homicide, manslaughter, terrorism and torture.

But on Wednesday, they requested a court docket within the coastal city of Malindi for extra time as a way to decide if MacKenzie and 30 different suspects are mentally match to face trial.

Justice Mugure Thande granted this request, giving the prosecution 14 days to carry out the evaluations.

The suspects had been handcuffed in pairs at Wednesday’s listening to, other than Mackenzie, who was on his personal.

The listening to will resume on 6 February.

In a case that surprised not solely Kenyans however folks the world over, the our bodies of 429 folks, together with kids, had been dug up from grave websites in Shakahola, a distant forest about two hours’ drive west of Malindi in April 2023.

Some Kenyans are questioning why the case has been transferring so slowly after the invention of so many our bodies.

Mackenzie is alleged to have inspired members of his Good News International Church to maneuver there and put together for the top of the world.

One witness told the BBC that folks got directions in January final yr to start fasting in order that they might “get to heaven”.

But Mackenzie has stated the deaths couldn’t be blamed on him as he closed his church in 2019.

He was sentenced final November to 12 months in jail for producing and distributing movies with no licence.

His lawyer stated he would attraction towards the ruling.

He and his co-accused additionally face terrorism expenses in a case being heard within the neighbouring coastal county of Mombasa.