A second suspect linked to the infamous Shakahola massacre has died while in custody, officials confirmed on Monday.
Edison Safari Munyambo, also known by her alias Baba Sifa, passed away at a Mombasa hospital after a brief illness. Munyambo had been receiving medical treatment for several days before her death.
She is the second accused person in the high-profile case to die while under state detention, following the death of Mary Charo Mbita.
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Mbita died earlier this year at the Coast Teaching and Referral Hospital, sparking concern over the health and wellbeing of detainees linked to the massacre.
Both Munyambo and Mbita were part of a group of 95 individuals charged with 283 counts of manslaughter and other serious crimes in connection with the Shakahola massacre.
The accused face charges ranging from terrorism and radicalization to cruelty against children and murder.
The group, led by Paul Mackenzie, the alleged mastermind behind the deadly cult, has been on trial before Mombasa Court.
During a court session, Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Jami Yamina confirmed Munyambo’s death, stating that the court will continue with the trial as they await official documentation of the deceased’s passing.
The deaths of the two suspects have raised questions about the care and conditions of those being held in relation to the Shakahola massacre, a case that has shocked the nation.
Munyambo and the other suspects are accused of being involved in a cult led by Mackenzie, who allegedly convinced hundreds of followers to starve themselves to death to “meet Jesus.”
Authorities discovered dozens of shallow graves in Shakahola Forest in Kilifi County, with the death toll still rising as investigators continue to unearth bodies.
The court is expected to issue further directives regarding the status of Munyambo’s charges and the health status of the remaining accused persons.
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