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One of the men who admitted involvement in the Shakahola cult tragedy that left 429 people dead could serve just 11 years, if the court accepts a sentencing proposal by prosecutors.

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has proposed a structured 11-year sentence for Shakahola massacre convict Enos Amanya alias Haleluya, combining prison time with rehabilitation and probation.

Appearing before Justice Diana Kavedza in Mombasa, prosecutors said the sentence should take into account the three years Amanya has already spent in remand, leaving about eight years under a structured framework.

Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions Jami Yamina told the court that part of the remaining term should be spent in prison under a deradicalisation and rehabilitation programme.

The programme, to be implemented jointly by the National Counter Terrorism Centre and the Kenya Prisons Service, aims to disengage Amanya from cult teachings linked to the Shakahola tragedy and prepare him for reintegration into society.

Prosecutors suggested that between one year and two-and-a-half years of the sentence be served in custody under the programme.

After the custodial phase, the State proposed that Amanya should serve at least six years under supervised probation, allowing authorities to closely monitor his reintegration.

Amanya told the court he was ready to cooperate with prison authorities and participate fully in the rehabilitation process.

Prosecutors also informed the court that victims and affected community members will receive psychosocial support as part of a restorative justice approach.

To ensure accountability, the DPP asked the court to receive progress reports every six months during the rehabilitation phase.

If Amanya fails to comply with the programme, prosecutors said he should be required to serve the full prison term.

The sentencing proposal was based on established legal principles, including the doctrine of the “rarest of rare cases” and the presence of extenuating circumstances.

Prosecutors told the court that the highest moral responsibility for the Shakahola deaths lies with cult leader Paul Nthenge Mackenzie and other church leaders, against whom the State intends to pursue heavier penalties.

The Shakahola massacre, linked to Mackenzie’s Good News International Church, shocked the country after hundreds of bodies were discovered in shallow graves in Kilifi County.

The case will continue in April 2026, when the court is expected to consider further submissions.