Mary Charo Mbita, one of the 94 suspects held in connection with the horrific Shakahola massacre, has died while in custody at Shimo La Tewa Women’s Prison.
This tragic incident marks the second death among those detained alongside cult leader Paul Mackenzie, who is at the center of the investigation into the tragedy that claimed over 429 lives.
The news of Charo’s death was delivered by Assistant Director of Public Prosecution, Jami Yamina, to Mombasa Chief Magistrate Alex Ithuku.
Charo was one of the 40 women and 55 men accused in this harrowing case, facing 238 counts of manslaughter related to the mass deaths that shocked the nation and drew international attention.
Defense counsel Lawrence Obonyo confirmed that he had been informed of Charo’s death and did not oppose the prosecution’s request to withdraw the charges against her.
“We were already informed about her death, and we have no objection to marking the case as abated,” Obonyo stated during the court proceedings.
Charo’s death follows that of another suspect in the same case, adding to the growing concerns about the well-being of those in custody.
The cause of her death has not been made public, and this latest incident has prompted the court to initiate an inquest to investigate the circumstances surrounding her demise.
The Shakahola massacre, which occurred earlier this year, involved the discovery of mass graves in Shakahola Forest, Kilifi County.
The bodies found were believed to be followers of Paul Mackenzie, a controversial preacher who allegedly convinced his followers to starve themselves to death in order to “meet Jesus.”
The massacre has been one of the most horrifying events in recent Kenyan history, leading to widespread outrage and demands for justice.
With Charo’s death, questions are now being raised about the conditions under which the suspects are being held.
Human rights organizations and legal advocates are calling for greater transparency and accountability in the handling of these detainees.
The inquest into Charo’s death will be closely watched as the public seeks answers and justice for both the victims of the massacre and the suspects who have died in custody.
The spotlight remains on the Shakahola massacre case, which has already seen significant legal and political concerns.
The government has promised a thorough investigation into the deaths, both of the victims in the massacre and now the suspects in custody, as the nation grapples with the tragic events that occurred in Shakahola Forest.
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