The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has asked the High Court to impose a structured sentence combining punishment and rehabilitation for Shakahola massacre convict Enos Amanya, also known as Haleluya, proposing an 11-year jail term.
The proposal emphasizes deradicalization, victim support, and judicial oversight, with proceedings set to continue in April 2026.
Appearing before Justice Diana Kavedza in Mombasa on Monday, the prosecution said the proposed sentence takes into account the three years Amanya has already spent in remand custody.
Under the proposal, this would reduce the remaining period to eight years within a structured framework combining custodial and non-custodial measures.
Through Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions Jami Yamina, the DPP recommended that between one and two-and-a-half years of the remaining term be served in prison under a voluntary rehabilitation programme.
The programme will be jointly implemented by the National Counter Terrorism Centre and the Kenya Prisons Service.
It will focus on disengagement from cultic beliefs, deradicalisation, and preparation for Amanya’s eventual reintegration into society.
Following the custodial component, the prosecution proposed that Amanya serves six years under supervised probation to ensure close monitoring during reintegration.
Amanya told the court he is willing to cooperate with prison authorities to successfully undergo rehabilitation.
The court was also informed that victims and affected community members will receive psychosocial support as part of the restorative justice process.
To ensure accountability, the prosecution proposed that the court receive progress reports every six months during the rehabilitation phase.
Should Amanya fail to comply with programme requirements, the DPP recommended that he serve the full prison term.
The prosecution said the proposal is anchored on established sentencing principles, including the doctrines of the “rarest of rare cases” and extenuating circumstances.
While the first doctrine ruled out the death penalty for Amanya, mitigating factors were also considered in recommending the reduced sentence.
These mitigating factors include his cooperation with investigators and his willingness to plead guilty.
Prosecutors told the court that the greatest moral culpability lies with cult leader Paul Nthenge Mackenzie and other church leaders.
The DPP indicated that the State will pursue heavier sentences against them.
The case remains one of the most closely followed in the country due to its scale and impact.
Further hearing of the matter continues in April 2026, when the court is expected to consider the sentencing proposal and related submissions before making a determination.
The outcome will determine whether the structured sentencing plan is adopted, as both the defence and prosecution prepare to make further submissions ahead of the final ruling.
