Shakahola case: Key accused “Hallelujah” admits to 43 manslaughter charges

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has scored a major breakthrough in the ongoing Shakahola manslaughter trial after one of the key accused, Enos Amanya Ngala, alias “Hallelujah,” entered into a plea bargain agreement with the State.

Amanya, a co-accused of Pastor Paul Mackenzie, was today formally charged with 43 counts of manslaughter following the plea arrangement.

In court, he confirmed that he had pleaded guilty freely and voluntarily, saying his decision was made without force, threats, or intimidation.

Under the agreement, Amanya has committed to fully cooperate with investigators, provide truthful statements, testify as a prosecution witness in the ongoing Shakahola proceedings, including the Kwa Binzaro massacre case, and participate in a rehabilitation programme during his imprisonment.

In exchange, the prosecution withdrew 195 of the 238 original manslaughter charges against him, including all charges filed in Tononoka Children’s Court.

The State also recommended that the court treat Amanya as a first-time offender and not impose the maximum sentence of life imprisonment.

Instead, he faces a total sentence of 11 years, factoring in the three years already spent in custody.

Of the remaining eight years, two will be served in a structured rehabilitation programme run jointly by the prison authorities and the National Counter Terrorism Centre, while the remaining six years will be served under supervised probation to facilitate reintegration into society.

Amanya told the court he had fully discussed the plea with his advocate, Mr. Kelvin Lisanza, before signing the agreement.

The victims’ advocate confirmed that the plea bargain was entered in accordance with the law and came after testimony from over 100 witnesses had been heard.

Despite his plea, his wife, Anne Anyoso, and younger brother, David Amanya, continue to face trial alongside other accused persons, keeping the high-profile case ongoing.

The plea deal marks a pivotal moment in the complex Shakahola trial, strengthening the prosecution’s case and providing critical cooperation that could help bring further clarity and accountability in the investigation.

The matter is being prosecuted 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 case stems from a tragic incident in 2023 at a cult-run camp in Kilifi County, where dozens of children and vulnerable adults died under the care of Pastor Mackenzie’s religious sect.

Investigations revealed that the victims were subjected to extreme neglect, starvation, and forced confinement under the guise of “faith-based healing,” sparking nationwide outrage and a high-profile prosecution.