Shakahola suspect says Mackenzie supervised digging of graves, burials
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Self-confessed follower breaks down in court, reveals how his children died.
The prosecution gained major ground Tuesday in the Shakahola massacre trial after a self-confessed suspect told a Mombasa court that preacher Paul Mackenzie personally supervised grave digging and burials inside the forest settlement.
Enos Amanya Ngala, also known as “Haleluya”, changed his plea and admitted involvement in the crimes that left 429 people dead.
Testifying before Chief Magistrate Alex Ithuku, the 51-year-old broke down in tears as he described how his own children died following strict fasting directives allegedly issued by Mackenzie.
Dug graves day and night
Under questioning by Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions Jami Yamina, alongside prosecutors Alex Ndiema, Victor Owiti, Betty Rubia and Yassir Mohamed, Amanya admitted:
- He dug graves
- Provided security
- Conducted burials during day and night shifts
- Acted under direct instructions from Mackenzie
He told the court some burials were personally supervised by Mackenzie.
According to his testimony, followers were instructed to conceal graves using black soil and plant maize and beans over burial sites to avoid detection.
At least five children died.
Amanya named his deceased children as
- Snider Dorcus, 23
- Rayson Amanya, 19
- Eda Mtishibi, 13
- Apron Joshua, 9
- Starco Joshua, 7
His only surviving daughter, Israel Veronica, has already testified for the prosecution against both her parents.
Claims of financial exploitation
Amanya also told the court he sent Sh95,000 to Mackenzie and Sh100,000 to Good News International deputy pastor George Mwaura.
He said the money was for land at Shakahola, building materials and church items, including an external hard drive containing sermons.
He never received ownership documents.
How radicalisation began
Amanya said he joined Good News International Church in 2019 after watching sermons on Times TV.
He later moved his family from Nairobi to Malindi and eventually to Shakahola.
He told the court followers were discouraged from education, medicine, and mainstream religion.
During the COVID-19 period, members allegedly withdrew children from school in preparation for what they were told was the end times.
95 accused in dock
Mackenzie and 94 others face 283 counts of manslaughter arising from the Shakahola tragedy.
The trial continues.