Paul Mackenzie's Lawyer Breaks Down In Court As Cult Leader Decries Mistreatment: "Nipeleke River Yala"

• Controversial preacher Paul Mackenzie told the court that he had been enduring untold suffering while in custody at Shimo La Tewa prison
• The Good News International Church leader was emotional in court as his lawyer, Wycliffe Makasembo, tried to calm him down throughout
• Mackenzie's passionate appeal eventually moved Makasembo as he was spotted wiping tears from his eyes

Mombasa - There was an emotional moment at the Shanzu Law Courts as controversial cleric Paul Mackenzie's case was mentioned.

During the Friday, August 4, hearing of the prayer by the prosecution to have them detained for 47 more days, Mackenzie got a chance to address the court.

The visibly agitated Shakahola cult leader decried mistreatment by prison officials, who he accused of not allowing him to see sunlight.

Mackenzie told the court that he had resigned to his fate and was ready to die if the authorities felt tired of him.

Mackenzie's lawyer weeps

During the period Mackenzie addressed the court, his lawyer Wycliffe Makasembo tried to maintain a strong face.

As the cleric continued lamenting being mistreated by prison officials, Makasembo kept wiping his face.

He could be seen calming down the agitated cleric as Mackenzie ranted about being ready to die.

When Mackenzie stopped talking, the emotional lawyer pulled out his handkerchief and wiped off the tears in his eyes.

Mackenzie confronts his lawyer

Earlier, Mackenzie sought an audience with his lawyer, who he was captured lecturing for a while.

In the video, Mackenzie is heard complaining about his maltreatment in the cells, including beatings, and he was apparently isolated from his co-accused.

He was therefore instructing his lawyer to argue his case while considering those issues.

Mackenzie and co-accused chant in court

Recently, the preacher caused a scene in court after learning the prosecution wanted their detention extended.

Through their attorney, Wycliffe Makasembo, Mackenzie and his fellows argued against the plea, suggesting it would inconvenience them.

They also cited the inhumane conditions in which they are being detained. While in the courtroom, the group started chanting 'haki yetu', disrupting the proceedings for a while.

They decried being forced to put on prison garments, yet they are not convicted, being forced to be aligned in parades, sleeping on the floor, and relieving themselves inside the bucket(s).

Presiding magistrate Yusuf Shikanda directed the suspects to be held for two more days before the court rules on the prosecution's prayer for their further detention.