The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has scored a major breakthrough in the Shakahola massacre trial, as a key suspect has voluntarily stepped forward to confess in a move that could see him testify against cult leader Paul Nthenge Mackenzie and the other defendants.
During proceedings at the Mombasa High Court yesterday, Justice Diana Kavedza ordered the separation of the suspect, Enos Amanya Ngala, also known as Hallelujah, from his co-defendants. This move paves the way for plea negotiations and a potential plea bargain.
Ngala, the seventh accused in the case, faces charges alongside Mackenzie and 29 other defendants, all accused of 191 counts of murdering children linked to the Shakahola deaths.
The suspect’s decision to cooperate with the prosecution could open doors to plea negotiations that might eventually turn him into a state witness against Mackenzie, who authorities say masterminded the atrocities.
The prosecution team led by Senior Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Joseph Kimanthi, assisted by Jami Yamina and Ngina Mutua, along with Principal Prosecution Counsels Victor Owiti and Betty Rubia, welcomed the development, describing it as a significant step toward unraveling the full scale of the Shakahola crimes.
Prosecutors told the court that the DPP remains open to entering into plea bargain agreements with Ngala and any other defendants willing to cooperate. They noted that the process must strictly follow the Plea-Bargaining Policy and the law.
Despite Ngala’s decision to cooperate, his wife, Anne Anyoso, and his younger brother, David Amanya, will continue standing trial alongside the other accused.
Justice Kavedza directed prison authorities to escort Ngala to the Chief Magistrate’s Court chambers, where a magistrate will formally record his confession. The court appointed advocate Kelvin Lisanza to represent and guide Ngala through the process, ensuring all legal safeguards are observed.
Once the confession is formally recorded, the DPP will assess its content and credibility before deciding whether to enter into a plea bargain agreement with Ngala.
The court also ordered that Ngala’s daughter, who has already testified in the case, be present during the confession. Prison authorities were instructed to ensure the safety of both the accused and his child throughout the process.
Meanwhile, the prosecution has lined up six additional witnesses to testify in the murder case. Among them is Dominic Ngumah, who previously shared the harrowing account of losing his three children during the Shakahola massacre.
Mackenzie faces separate cases that include charges of radicalisation, manslaughter, and crimes against children.
The DPP has already concluded its case in the radicalisation and crimes against children files after presenting evidence and witnesses, with court rulings expected in the coming weeks. The manslaughter case remains ongoing, while prosecutors aim to close the murder case soon.
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