Terrorism and Murder Charges Against Pastor MacKenzie Won't Succeed - Cherargei Warns

Pressing terrorism, murder and genocide charges against Pastors Paul MacKenzie and Ezekiel Odero would not work, Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei has warned.

In a tweet, the Senator told the office of the Directorate of public prosecution and the police to do a thorough investigation and pick charges that would be proved before a court of law.

Cherargei warned that while many Kenyans are emotional about the many deaths witnessed in Kilifi, the court of law will require evidence to prove every charge pressed against the accused.

"The charges against Pastors Mackenzie, Ezekiel and others of Genocide, Terrorism or murders shall NOT water because the threshold is too high unless manslaughter or accessories to murders," the Senator said.

"The ODPP & Police need to do thorough investigations because cases aren't sustained through emotions!"

Cherargei went on to condemn blanket condemnation of religious leaders because of offences committed by an individual.

"The religious organisations should not be profiled based on the few rogue clerics but the govt should weed out the rogue clerics in their midst," the Senator added.

Pastor Paul Mackenzie is being held by police who have linked him to over 100 deaths of his followers.

The deaths were allegedly occasioned by the teachings of Pastor MacKenzie who allegedly told his followers to starve to death to meet Jesus.

Pastor Odero was arrested on Thursday and police say they are probing deaths that occurred in his church.