Credit: ODPP
A major breakthrough has been recorded in the Shakahola massacre trial as one of the key suspects, Enos Amanya, alias Hallelujah, pleaded guilty to 191 counts of murder, most involving children, before the High Court in Mombasa.
The confession ends nearly two years of denials since the case began.
During the proceedings before Justice Diana Kavedza, Amanya detailed his participation in a coordinated scheme with Mackenzie and other co-accused, enforcing strict obedience among followers through coercion, starvation, and abuse.
The prosecution listed 11 children by name, including Seth Hinzano Ngala, Evabra Dito Ngala, and Stacy Hadama, while other victims were identified through grave sites and initials.
Court heard that Amanya acted as a grave digger and enforcer within the Shakahola forest sect, where coded language normalized death—bodies were referred to as “fertilizer,” burials as “planting,” and dying as “taking a jet” to meet Jesus. Followers reportedly affirmed Mackenzie’s instructions by shouting “Amina.”
Shockingly, Amanya confirmed that his own children, Ejah Nyaleso and Senaida, were among the victims, though one child, Izrael Veronica, survived after rejecting the sect’s teachings.
Prosecution, led by Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Jami Yamina and supported by a team including Ngina Mutua, Victor Owiti, and Betty Rubia, presented a detailed confession recorded by Superintendent of Police Martin Ndegwa. The court confirmed the facts and convicted Amanya based on his plea.
Pre-sentencing hearings for victims’ witnesses are scheduled from February 2 to February 6, 2026.
The development underscores the DPP’s commitment to delivering justice in one of Kenya’s most harrowing criminal cases, which has already seen 120 witnesses testify and over 500 exhibits presented.