A second suspect in the Shakahola massacre has died while undergoing treatment, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has confirmed. Edison Safari Munyambo, also known as Baba Sifa, died a few days ago at a Mombasa hospital where he was receiving treatment following a short illness. His death follows that of another accused, Mary Charo Mbita, who died earlier at the Coast Teaching and Referral Hospital.
Both suspects were part of a group of 95 individuals facing charges related to the Shakahola massacre, which includes 283 counts of manslaughter. The accused are being tried before Mombasa Chief Magistrate Alex Ithuku. In addition to manslaughter, the accused, led by the alleged mastermind Paul Nthege Mackenzie, face multiple charges, including torture and cruelty against children, violations of the Basic Education Act, terrorism, radicalization, membership in a terrorist group, and murder.
Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Jami Yamina informed Chief Magistrate Ithuku of Munyambo’s demise, stating that the case should continue while awaiting official confirmation of his death. Once the court is briefed accordingly, the charges against the deceased can be marked as abated, effectively ceasing the legal proceedings against them due to their deaths.
The Shakahola Tragedy
The Shakahola massacre, one of the most harrowing incidents in recent Kenyan history, came to light in April of the previous year. The tragedy unfolded when authorities discovered shallow graves in the Shakahola forest, revealing the bodies of victims believed to have been followers of Mackenzie, who allegedly orchestrated a cult that led to mass deaths through starvation, torture, and other inhumane practices.
To date, over 440 bodies have been retrieved from these graves, with many victims identified as malnourished and neglected children. The discovery of these graves was preceded by the rescue of survivors who were found in dire conditions, further highlighting the scale of abuse and neglect within the cult.
The tragedy has drawn widespread condemnation and prompted investigations into how such a large-scale atrocity could occur undetected for so long. A recent report by the Commission on Administrative Justice, which probed the Shakahola tragedy, has blamed the police and state administrators for the deaths. The report highlighted significant dereliction of duty by both agencies, suggesting that their failure to act allowed the massacre to unfold.
Calls for Accountability
In light of these findings, the commission has recommended that the Principal Secretary of the State Department for Interior and Coordination of National Administration, along with the National Police Service Commission, hold the responsible officials accountable. This recommendation underscores the perceived systemic failures that contributed to the tragedy, including lapses in law enforcement and oversight.
The ongoing court proceedings against Mackenzie and his followers remain a focal point of justice for the victims and their families. The court’s decision on how to handle the cases of deceased suspects like Munyambo and Mbita reflects the legal complexities surrounding the trial. Despite the deaths of these suspects, the court has indicated that the case will proceed, focusing on those still in custody.
As the legal process continues, the Shakahola massacre stands as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by unchecked radicalization and the responsibilities of state agencies to prevent such atrocities. The unfolding court cases and the ongoing investigations into state failures offer a critical opportunity for Kenya to address the systemic issues that allowed this tragedy to occur and to ensure that such events are prevented in the future.
The Shakahola tragedy has not only exposed the devastating impact of cult activities but has also raised crucial questions about the effectiveness of state institutions in safeguarding the lives and rights of citizens. As the victims’ families seek justice, the nation watches closely, hoping for accountability and meaningful reforms in the wake of this national tragedy.
