Shakahola suspect pleads guilty for role in 429 deaths, seeks leniency

A Mombasa court has heard a plea for leniency from one of the suspects implicated in the deadly Shakahola massacre for his role in 429 deaths. 

According to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), the accused, Enos Amanya, also known as Haleluya, admitted to charges linked to the deaths of 429 people and is among those facing trial alongside controversial preacher Paul Nthenge Mackenzie and several co-accused persons.

Appearing before the court, Amanya, through his lawyer Kelvin Lisanza, asked for a reduced sentence, expressing regret for his actions.

He told the court that he had been heavily influenced by radical teachings within the sect, which encouraged followers to starve themselves to death and shun formal systems such as education and government authority.

He recounted how he moved with his family from Kasarani in Nairobi to Shakahola in 2020, where they became entangled in the group’s practices. The court heard that three of his children are still unaccounted for, while only one, his daughter Israel Veronica, survived.

He also expressed remorse and sought forgiveness from his wife over his actions. 

"Mimi nakuomba msamaha kwa lolote nililokukosea. Vile uliniambia ya kwamba nikitaja Mackenzie kwa kesi hii, mimi si mume wako tena. Ikaniuma. Nikaona mimi sitaweza kuangamia; nifanye makosa, nihukumiwe duniani tena nipate hukumu mbinguni baada ya kufa," Amanya stated in court. 

However, the prosecution, led by Deputy DPPs Jami Yamina and Joseph Kimanthi, opposed calls for leniency, arguing that the magnitude of the deaths demands a firm legal response. 

The prosecution team told the court that the scale of suffering inflicted on victims and their families must guide the sentencing.

They cited the devastating impact on families, including that of Dr Lewis Thoya Sirya, who lost seven relatives, and Titus Ngonyo Gandi, who lost five family members, among them a General Service Unit officer. The prosecutors maintained that such losses reflect the lasting trauma caused by the events in Shakahola.

In an emotional appeal, Amanya’s surviving daughter confirmed that her father had shown regret, but urged the court to also consider justice for the many victims who perished.

Presiding judge Diana Mochache adjourned the case to Thursday, when more victim testimonies will be heard before sentencing submissions are made.