An official inquest has been launched in response to allegations of severe mistreatment of female suspects at Shimo la Tewa Women's Prison, including Rhoda Mumbua Maweu, the wife of controversial cult leader Pastor Paul Mackenzie.
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) is investigating claims that Maweu and other detainees have faced harsh and inhumane treatment while in custody.
Maweu, who was arrested on May 2, 2023, in connection with the Shakahola massacre, is facing manslaughter charges. According to recent reports, she has been subjected to physical abuse, torture, and denial of basic necessities such as food.
Furthermore, there are disturbing allegations that Maweu has been forced to sleep on the floor and endure other forms of mistreatment from prison officers.
The ODPP has responded by demanding a detailed report from the prison administration regarding these serious claims. The investigation underscores the need for transparency and accountability in the treatment of detainees, particularly given the gravity of the allegations.
The situation has prompted concern from human rights advocates and legal observers who are calling for immediate action to address and rectify the reported abuses.
Maweu is among 95 suspects linked to the Shakahola massacre, a tragic event in which 238 people were killed in a forest in Malindi sub-county.
Pastor Paul Mackenzie, who is alleged to be the mastermind behind the massacre, faces multiple charges including murder, manslaughter, and assault causing bodily harm.
The ongoing legal proceedings have cast a spotlight on the conditions within the prison system, especially concerning high-profile detainees.
In a related judicial development, two suspects in the Shakahola case who died while in police custody have had their cases dropped.
Chief Magistrate Alex Ithuku dismissed the charges on September 9, 2024, following the presentation of burial permits and postmortem reports that indicated their deaths were due to illness.
Edison Safari Munyambo, also known as Baba Sifa, died recently while undergoing treatment in Mombasa, and Mary Charo Mbita passed away at Coast Teaching and Referral Hospital in August 2024. The authorities confirmed that their deaths were not due to any foul play, leading to the closure of their cases.