2 Shakahola Massacre Suspects Die In Hospital

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) on Monday, September 9 reported that a second Shakahola suspect died while undergoing treatment.

Viral Tea Ke Writer Viral Tea Ke Writer
Sep 9, 2024 - 14:09 Updated: Sep 9, 2024 - 14:11
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2 Shakahola Massacre Suspects Die In Hospital
Pastor Paul Mackenzie Nthenge accompanied by some of his followers during a court appearance in Malindi on April 17, 2023. /AP

In the space of one month, two suspects implicated in the heinous Shakahola massacre which claimed the lives of 436 people have died in hospitals in Mombasa County, handing a blow to efforts to achieve justice for the horrors witnessed last year.

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) on Monday, September 9 reported that a second Shakahola suspect died while undergoing treatment.

"Edison Safari Munyambo alias Baba Sifa died a few days ago at a Mombasa hospital where she was undergoing treatment after a short illness," stated ODPP in part.

Pastor Paul Mackenzie (centre) at the Mombasa Law Courts. /ODPP

Safari became the second accused person to die in custody after Mary Charo Mbita, who died at Coast Teaching and Referral Hospital last month.

The deceased duo were part of 95 accused persons charged with 283 counts of manslaughter before Mombasa Chief Magistrate Alex Ithuku.

The accused persons led by the prime mastermind, Paul Nthege Mackenzie are also facing several charges including torture and cruelty against children, violation of the Basic Education Act, terrorism, radicalization, being members of terrorist groups and murder.

Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Jami Yamina confirmed to Magistrate Ithuku the demise of the accused person.

In turn, Ithuku stated that the case should proceed while the court awaits the official confirmation document.

He indicated that once the court is briefed accordingly, the case against the deceased suspect can be marked as abated.

ODPP on January 16, 2024, approved 10 charges against 95 suspects linked to the mass deaths in the Shakahola Massacre, Mackenzie included. This followed an injunction issued by the courts to press charges against them or release them following the massacre.

DPP Renson Mulele Ingonga revealed that he was satisfied that there was sufficient evidence to prosecute the 95 suspects linked to the heinous crime that targeted people believed to be members of the Good News International Church.

Detectives during a past Shakahola exhumation exercise. /NATIONAL POLICE SERVICE

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