By Dorothy Musyoka
A second suspect in the Shakahola massacre case has died while undergoing treatment, authorities confirmed.
Edison Safari Munyambo, also known as “Baba Sifa,” died in a Mombasa hospital where she was undergoing treatment.
Munyambo is the second suspect to die in custody, following Mary Charo Mbita, who passed away at the Coast Teaching and Referral Hospital.
“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 the ODPP.
“She is the second accused person to die in custody after Mary Charo Mbita, who died at Coast Teaching and Referral Hospital,” the ODPP added.
According to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (ODPP), both deceased were among the 95 individuals charged in connection with the Shakahola massacre, a shocking case involving the deaths of hundreds of followers of Pastor Paul Mackenzie, the alleged mastermind of the tragedy.
The suspects face a combined 283 counts of manslaughter before Mombasa Chief Magistrate Alex Ithuku, along with additional charges of torture, cruelty against children, violation of the Basic Education Act, terrorism, radicalization, and murder.
The Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions, Jami Yamina, informed Hon. Ithuku of Munyambo’s death, stating that the case should continue while the court awaits an official confirmation document.
The prime suspect, Pastor Paul Nthege Mackenzie, allegedly orchestrated a mass starvation and radicalization scheme, leading to the deaths of numerous followers in Shakahola Forest, Kilifi County. Mackenzie and his followers, part of the Good News International Church, allegedly convinced members to fast to death to “meet Jesus.”
The ongoing investigation, which began in early 2023, uncovered shallow graves containing hundreds of bodies, predominantly of women and children, believed to be members of the cult.
These discoveries prompted widespread public outrage and calls for justice against Mackenzie and his associates.
The Shakahola massacre case continues to unfold in the Mombasa Law Courts, with the surviving suspects led by Mackenzie facing prosecution.