In a major development in the Shakahola killings case, one of the main suspects admitted responsibility for the deaths of more than 191 people, many of them children.
Enos Amanya, also known as Hallelujah, pleaded guilty to all charges before the High Court in Mombasa, ending almost two years of denials since the case began. Court documents show that the killings occurred between January 2021 and September 2023.
The guilty plea marks a critical moment for prosecutors seeking to uncover the inner workings of the sect led by self-styled preacher Paul Nthenge Mackenzie, accused of orchestrating a deadly regime of starvation, abuse, and forced obedience.
Before Justice Diana Kavedza, Amanya admitted to working closely with Mackenzie and other co-accused in a deliberate plan that led to the mass deaths of followers.
During the reading of facts, the court was told of 11 children who were killed, including Seth Hinzano Ngala, Evabra Dito Ngala, Sifa Edison, Nathan Mathu, Neema Robert, Joyce Amani, Stacy Hadama, Elna Mpa, Ejah Nyaleso, Sara Peter, and Patience Kahindi. Other victims were identified by initials, gender, and the graves where their bodies were later recovered.
The prosecution, headed by Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Jami Yamina, presented detailed evidence, including a confession recorded by Superintendent of Police Martin Ndegwa. The team also includes Assistant Director Ngina Mutua, along with Principal Counsels Victor Owiti and Betty Rubia.
Court proceedings revealed that Amanya served as both grave digger and enforcer within the Shakahola forest, ensuring that followers strictly obeyed Mackenzie’s instructions. The sect reportedly used coded language to mask the brutality: bodies were called “fertiliser,” burials “planting,” and death “taking a jet” to meet Jesus. Followers would affirm orders by shouting “Amina.”
A suspect appears before Justice Diana Kavedza of the High Court in Mombasa, January 16, 2026.PHOTO /ODPPIn a chilling disclosure, Amanya admitted that some victims were his own children. He described witnessing the deaths of Ejah Nyaleso and Senaida and assisting his wife, Anne Anyoso Alukhwe—also among the accused—in burying them. Only one child, Izrael Veronica, survived after rejecting the sect’s teachings and leaving Shakahola to seek employment.
The prosecution further explained that Mackenzie demanded complete submission, punishing dissenters with severe beatings. Those who resisted were tied with wire and struck with sticks and tree branches until death.
After confirming the facts, Justice Kavedza convicted Amanya based on his guilty plea. The court directed the Coast Regional Probation and Aftercare Service to prepare a full victim impact report to guide sentencing, including consideration for the surviving child.
The officer in charge of Shimo La Tewa Maximum Security Prison was ordered to isolate Amanya for his protection. Pre-sentencing hearings for victims’ witnesses are scheduled from February 2 to February 6, 2026.
The prosecution formally closed its case after presenting 120 witnesses, over 500 exhibits, and six months of hearings, highlighting the determination to deliver justice for the Shakahola victims and their families.
