By Dorothy Musyoka
A Mombasa court has officially dropped charges against two deceased individuals accused in the infamous Shakahola massacre case.
The decision was made by Chief Magistrate Alex Ithuku after the prosecution submitted burial permits and postmortem reports detailing the deaths of the two suspects, confirming they died from illness.
According to official death reports, Mary Charo Mbita passed away in June this year at the Coast General Referral Teaching Hospital.The second suspect, Edison Safari Munyambo, also known as Baba Sifa, died on August 19, 2024, at Shimo la Tewa Health Facility.
Following the completion of the autopsies, the bodies of both individuals were released to their relatives for burial.
“Mary Charo Mbita died in June this year at Coast General Referral Teaching Hospital.The second suspect, Edison Safari Munyambo alias Baba Sifa died on 19 August 2024 at Shimo la Tewa health facility.The two bodies were released to the relatives for burial after the conclusion of the autopsy,” explained the ODPP.
Read more:http://Second Suspect In Shakahola Massacre Dies While Undergoing Treatment
In a related development, Hon. Ithuku has directed the officer in charge of Shimo la Tewa Women’s Prison to appear in court to address claims of maltreatment of female suspects in custody.
Several suspects, including the wife of controversial pastor Paul Mackenzie, Rhoda Mumbua Maweu, have alleged they were subjected to torture, which included being denied food, forced to sleep on the floor, and suffering physical beatings.
The court has ordered the senior prison officer to appear before it on September 11, 2024, to respond to these allegations. The officer was also directed to investigate the claims thoroughly and submit comprehensive findings to the court.
Chief Magistrate Ithuku emphasized the significance of fair and accurate media coverage of the case proceedings, given the high level of public interest surrounding the matter.
Additionally, the court allowed the application by victims’ counsel, instructed by the human rights organization Haki Africa, to participate in the case.
The prosecution team in the case comprises Senior Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Peter Kiprop, Assistant DPP Jami Yamina, PPC Betty Rubia, J.V. Owiti, Alex Gituma, SPC Victor Simbi, and Police Constables Yassir Mohamed and Hilary Isiaho.