Shakahola massacre suspect dies in hospital

By Peter Ochieng

Edison Safari Munyambo alias Baba Sifa is dead.

He died a few days ago, while undergoing treatment at a Mombasa hospital.

According to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), he becomes the second Shakahola massacre suspect to die while undergoing treatment.

He is the second accused person to die in custody after Mary Charo Mbita, who died at Coast Teaching and Referral Hospital weeks ago.

"The deceased duo is part of 95 accused persons charged with 283 counts of manslaughter before Mombasa Chief Magistrate Alex Ithuku," said the ODPP in a statement.

The accused persons led by the prime mastermind, Paul Nthege Mackenzie are also facing several charges including torture and cruelty against children, violation of basic education act, terrorism, radicalization, being members of terrorism group and murder.

Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Jami Yamina, confirmed to Ithuku of the demise of the accused person.

Once the court is briefed accordingly, the case against the deceased suspect can be marked as abated.

The news of the suspect's death came hours after the Church of Kenya leadership distanced itself from any association with embattled Pastor Paul Mackenzie’s Good News International church.

Head of the church, Reverend Isaac Lugaga said they have never been involved in teachings, that are contrary to the scriptures.

All along, he said, they have been operating their gospel activities in the open and that at no time have they conducted themselves in isolation, as in the case of the controversial Mackenzie, who is among those behind bars.

“In fact we have been in the fore-front warning Christians across the country not to blindly follow preachers who give sermons in their churches contrary to what is written in the bible,” said Rev Lugaga.

Mackenzie, head of the Good News International Church is the prime suspect in the death of over 400 people in the Shakahola forest.

It is alleged that on various dates between 2020 and 2023, the accused persons, who were members of the Good News International (GNI) Ministries, an organized criminal group, engaged in organized criminal activities in the Kwa Mackenzie area of Shakahola Forest, endangering lives and killing over 448 members and followers.

Mackenzie and his co-accused allegedly 'sweet talked' the victims into 'fasting to death to meet Jesus.'