Meet the High Court Judge Behind the Shakahola Massacre Verdict and Utumishi Girls Case

Justice Diana Rachel Kavedza-Mochache has built a judicial career spanning more than three decades, rising from a District Magistrate II to become a High Court Judge entrusted with handling some of Kenya’s high-profile criminal cases.

Kavedza-Mochache joined the Judiciary in 1993 after being admitted to the Kenyan Bar in 1991. She began her judicial career as a District Magistrate II (Professional) and served in different magistrates’ courts before progressing through the ranks to become a Chief Magistrate.

Her professional journey began after completing her legal studies, which included a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) and a Master of Laws (LLM) from the University of Nairobi. She also obtained a Postgraduate Diploma from the Kenya School of Law.

In addition to her legal qualifications, Kavedza-Mochache holds a Certificate in Strategic Leadership from the Kenya School of Government and a Certificate in Crisis Leadership from Rosewell Academy in the United States.

During her service in the Judiciary, she took up several leadership responsibilities, including becoming the pioneer Head of Station at the Shanzu Counter-Terrorism Court located within Shimo La Tewa Prison. She later served as the first Head of Station at the Kahawa Counter-Terrorism Court situated within Kamiti Maximum Prison in Nairobi.

In 2022, she was appointed a Judge of the High Court of Kenya and was initially assigned to the Milimani High Court Criminal Division. Her responsibilities also included helping establish the Kibera High Court, where she served as Presiding Judge, as well as the specialised Kahawa High Court, which handles counter-terrorism cases.

Outside her regular judicial assignments, Kavedza-Mochache held leadership positions in other institutions within the justice system. She served as chairperson of the National Community Service Orders Committee and also chaired the Business Premises Rent Tribunal, which determines disputes involving landlords and tenants operating business premises.

Her judicial work has also placed her at the centre of cases that have attracted considerable public attention, including the Shakahola massacre proceedings involving preacher Paul Nthenge Mackenzie and 30 other accused persons.

In October 2026, she delivered a landmark judgment in the case, finding all 31 accused persons guilty in connection with the deaths of 191 people, among them 190 children. The case is among the major criminal proceedings associated with her work at the High Court.

Kavedza-Mochache is also handling the Utumishi Girls High School case, another matter that has attracted significant public interest. Her involvement in the proceedings has drawn attention to her judicial responsibilities in handling complex and sensitive criminal cases.

Her rise from the magistracy to the High Court reflects a career built through different levels of the Kenyan judicial system. Having joined the Judiciary in 1993, she has accumulated more than 30 years of experience, with her appointment to the High Court in 2022 marking a significant milestone in her professional journey.

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