Shakahola massacre trial: Suspect offers to confess, turn State witness against Mackenzie

The prosecution in the Shakahola massacre case has received a major boost after one of the suspects expressed willingness to confess and cooperate with the State, potentially turning into a key witness against alleged cult leader Paul Nthenge Mackenzie and 29 other co-accused persons.

In a significant development before the Mombasa High Court, Justice Diana Kavedza ordered the separation of the accused, identified as Enos Amanya Ngala alias Hallelujah, from the rest of the defendants after he indicated readiness to record a confession and engage in plea negotiations.

According to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (ODPP), Ngala, the seventh accused in the ongoing murder trial, faces 191 counts of murdering children alongside Mackenzie and others linked to the Shakahola tragedy.

“The accused is set to initiate a plea negotiation leading to a plea bargain by which he will turn into a state witness against the alleged mastermind, Paul Nthenge Mackenzie, and 29 others,” stated the ODPP.

Following the move, the prosecution welcomed the move, describing it as “a major step toward resolving the crimes behind the massacre.”

The ODPP further expressed commitment to remain open to entering into a plea bargain agreement with Ngala and any other accused persons willing to cooperate with the State in strict accordance with the plea bargaining policy and laws.

Justice Kavedza then directed that Ngala be escorted to the Chief Magistrate’s Court for the formal recording of the confession.

Advocate Kelvin Lisanza was appointed to guide him through the process to ensure compliance with legal safeguards.

“Following the recording of the confession, the DPP will determine whether to formally enter into a plea bargain agreement with the accused based on the substance and credibility of his testimony,” the prosecution noted.

During the ruling, the court also ordered the presence of the accused’s daughter—who has already testified in the matter—during the confession and directed prison authorities to ensure their safety.

Despite Ngala’s decision to cooperate with the prosecution, his wife Anne Anyoso and younger brother David Amanya will continue to stand trial alongside the rest of the accused.

At the same time, the prosecution confirmed that six additional witnesses are lined up to testify, among them Dominic Ngumah, who recounted losing his three children in the Shakahola tragedy.

Outside the ongoing murder trial, Mackenzie is also battling separate cases, including charges of radicalization, manslaughter, and crimes against children.

The DPP has already closed its cases in the radicalization and children’s matters, with rulings expected soon, while the manslaughter file remains active as the murder trial heads toward its conclusion.