Shimo la Tewa Warden Dismisses Paul Mackenzie’s Claims of Poison Plot and Hunger Strike

The officer in charge of Shimo la Tewa Maximum Prison, Abdi Willy Adan, appeared in court on Wednesday to respond to allegations raised by controversial preacher Paul Mackenzie.

Mackenzie, who remains in remand with 34 co-accused, claimed that unknown substances had been placed in his prison cell, suggesting it was a possible attempt on his life. He also told the court he was on a hunger strike.

Appearing before Tononoka Children’s Court Principal Magistrate Nelly Chepchirchir, Adan termed the accusations as unfounded. He informed the court that there is stringent security in the prison and officers always screen the inmates whenever they move in and out of cell blocks.

“The prison does not provide bottled water. I want to know how the accused ended up with such items,” Adan said.

Routine Inspections and Transfer Request

Adan told the court that during routine inspections last Saturday, he toured several sections of the facility, including Block G, where Mackenzie is held. He clarified that officers did not inspect Block B, which houses other Shakahola suspects, on that day but checked other areas, including Block F, which is being refurbished to accommodate inmates facing terror-related charges.

He said he briefly spoke with Mackenzie during the patrol.

The preacher later requested a transfer to Manyani Maximum Prison, saying he needed a different environment. Adan said prison authorities rejected the request, citing the seriousness of the charges and the high costs of transporting Mackenzie between Manyani and Mombasa for his frequent court appearances.

On the issue of communication, Adan explained that inmates receive specific days to contact family members and legal representatives. He noted that Mackenzie and his group missed their allocated day because they were attending court hearings, not because access was denied.

Hunger Strike Claims and Court Ruling

Addressing the hunger strike claims, Adan told the court that Mackenzie had not refused food recently and that his last recorded protest took place in February 2025. He added that while some co-accused had declined meals as of Tuesday, Mackenzie, along with Mzee Smart Deri and Steve wa Mtwapa, continued eating.

Prison visitor logs presented in court showed Mackenzie’s last documented visit occurred on August 28, 2025.

The prosecution team, comprising Jami Yamina, Rubia Betty, Owiti, Biasha Khalifa, and Ngina Mutua, opposed a defence motion to postpone proceedings over the alleged hunger strike.

“This appears deliberate by the accused person to delay justice,” Rubia argued, pointing out that six witnesses were present and ready to testify.

Magistrate Chepchirchir dismissed the application for adjournment, ruling that a hunger strike alone could not justify postponement of the trial. She, nonetheless, ordered that all the accused persons be permitted to consult their lawyers.

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