MOMBASA, Kenya — The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has gained a significant breakthrough in the Shakahola massacre trial after one of the accused voluntarily offered to confess to his crimes, paving the way for a potential plea bargain.
In proceedings before Justice Diana Kavedza at the Mombasa High Court on Thursday, Enos Amanda Ngala, alias “Hallelujah,” the seventh accused in the case, expressed his willingness to cooperate with the prosecution.
He is jointly charged alongside alleged mastermind Paul Nthenge Mackenzie and 29 others with 191 counts of murdering children.
Justice Kavedza ordered Hallelujah’s separation from the other accused and directed that he be escorted to the Chief Magistrate’s Court for the formal recording of his confession.
Advocate Kelvin Lisanza was appointed to represent and guide him through the process to ensure legal safeguards are observed.
His daughter, who has already testified, is also required to be present, with prison authorities instructed to guarantee their safety.
Senior Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Joseph Kimanthi, along with Assistant Directors Jami Yamina and Ngina Mutua, and Principal Prosecution Counsels Victor Owiti and Betty Rubia, welcomed the development.
They termed Hallelujah’s decision a major step toward resolving the atrocities behind the massacre.
“The DPP remains open to entering plea bargain agreements with any accused persons willing to cooperate with the state, in strict accordance with the Plea-Bargaining Policy and the law,” the prosecution said.
Despite Hallelujah’s cooperation, his wife Anne Anyoso and younger brother David Amanda continue to face trial alongside the remaining accused.
Following the recording of the confession, the DPP will determine whether to formally enter a plea bargain based on the substance and credibility of his testimony.
Meanwhile, the prosecution has lined up six additional witnesses, including Dominic Ngumah, who recounted the devastating loss of his three children in the Shakahola incident.
Separately, Mackenzie faces charges of radicalization, manslaughter, and crimes against children.
The DPP has closed its case on radicalization and crimes against children after presenting witnesses and evidence, with rulings expected in the coming weeks.
The manslaughter case remains ongoing, while the murder trial is approaching its conclusion.
