In a significant turn in the Shakahola manslaughter case, Enos Amanya Ngala, popularly known as “Hallelujah,” has agreed to a plea bargain with the State, marking a major step forward for prosecutors. Amanya, who faces trial alongside Pastor Paul Mackenzie, has formally pleaded guilty to 43 counts of manslaughter, reducing his exposure from the original 238 charges.
During court proceedings on Thursday, Amanya affirmed that his plea was made voluntarily, saying it was free from any form of pressure, threat, or coercion.
The plea agreement requires him to provide full cooperation with investigators, give truthful testimony, act as a prosecution witness in the Shakahola trials—including the Kwa Binzaro massacre case—and participate in a structured rehabilitation programme during his sentence.
Under the arrangement, the prosecution withdrew 195 of the original charges, including all matters previously filed at Tononoka Children’s Court. The State further recommended that the court treat Amanya as a first-time offender, meaning he would not face life imprisonment.
Instead, the court is expected to impose a total sentence of 11 years, which includes the three years Amanya has already spent in custody.
Of the remaining eight years, two will be served in a rehabilitation programme jointly administered by prison authorities and the National Counter Terrorism Centre, while the other six will be under supervised probation to help him reintegrate into society.
Amanya confirmed that he had carefully reviewed the plea with his advocate, Kelvin Lisanza, before signing it. Victims’ representatives confirmed that the plea bargain is lawful and followed testimonies from over 100 witnesses.
Although Amanya has admitted guilt, his wife, Anne Anyoso, and younger brother, David Amanya, remain in court along with other accused persons, keeping the broader trial ongoing.
Legal experts say the plea marks a turning point, strengthening the prosecution’s position while providing critical cooperation that could uncover further details about the events at the Shakahola camp.
The case is being handled by Deputy Directors Joseph Kimanthi and Jami Yamina, Principal Prosecution Counsels Victor Owiti, Betty Rubia, and Alex Ndiema, and Prosecution Counsel Yassir Mohammed.
The Shakahola tragedy occurred in 2023 at a religious camp in Kilifi County run by Pastor Mackenzie. Investigations revealed that children and vulnerable adults died after enduring severe neglect, starvation, and confinement under the pretext of “faith-based healing,” drawing national attention and prompting a high-profile legal response.
