Shakahola massacre confessor seeks leniency
Shakahola mass murder trial
A man convicted of his own plea for his role in the Shakahola massacre sought leniency before a Mombasa court for his role in the 429 deaths, as the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) remains resolute in securing accountability.
Enos Amanya alias Haleluya, who has pleaded guilty to multiple counts of murder and related offences, is facing the charges alongside sect leader Paul Nthege Mackenzie and 28 others.
Prosecution team, led by Deputy DPPs Jami Yamina and Joseph Kimanthi, with Assistant DPP Ngina Mutua and Principal Prosecution Counsels Victor Owiti and Betty Rubia, emphasized that the scale of the atrocities demanded strict legal scrutiny and sentencing reflective of the harm caused.
Through his counsel, Kelvin Lisanza, Amanya expressed remorse, attributing his actions to years of radical indoctrination under Mackenzie’s extreme teachings, which promoted “fasting unto death” and rejection of formal education and government directives.
He recounted relocating with his family from Kasarani, Nairobi, to Shakahola in November 2020, only to be drawn into the sect’s deadly practices.
Three of his children remain missing, and only his daughter Israel Veronica survived the ordeal.
Prosecution highlighted that while Amanya seeks forgiveness, the victims’ suffering cannot be overlooked.
Families like Dr Lewis Thoya Sirya’s, who lost seven members, and Titus Ngonyo Gandi’s, who lost five including a GSU officer, exemplify the enduring trauma inflicted by the sect.
Victims’ testimonies underscore the DPP’s role in ensuring that those responsible, particularly sect leaders, are held accountable.
The defence requested leniency citing Amanya’s first-time offender status and family ties.
However, the prosecution stressed that mitigating factors must be balanced against the gravity of orchestrated mass killings. Israel Veronica, Haleluya’s surviving daughter, acknowledged her father’s remorse but urged justice for other victims.
Justice Diana Mochache adjourned further victim testimonies to Thursday March 5, 2026 with the prosecution expected to present detailed submissions on sentencing.