High Court Judge Diana Kavedza-Mochache is known for her connection to Kenya’s most closely watched criminal proceedings, the Shakahola murder trial involving controversial preacher Paul Nthenge Mackenzie and his co-accused.
In a ruling delivered on April 15, 2026, Justice Diana Kavedza noted that the prosecution had established a prima facie case against the accused persons and required them to present their defense
“Accordingly, I find that a prima facie case has been established against all the accused persons on all counts. I therefore place each of the accused persons on their defence in accordance with Section 211 of the Criminal Procedure Code, Cap 75 Laws of Kenya,” Justice Diana Kavedza-Mochache ruled.
Paul Nthenge Mackenzie and his co-accused faced 191 murder counts linked to the Shakahola tragedy in Kilifi County.
During the trial, the prosecution presented evidence from 121 witnesses.
Education and Early Career
Justice Kavedza-Mochache holds a Bachelor of Laws and a Master of Laws from the University of Nairobi, as well as a postgraduate diploma from the Kenya School of Law.
She was admitted to the Kenyan Bar in 1991 before joining the judicial service in 1993 as a District Magistrate II (Professional).
Justice Diana served as a chief magistrate before being appointed a High Court judge in 2022.
Further, Diana also holds a certificate in strategic leadership from the Kenya School of Government and a certificate in crisis leadership from Roswell Academy, USA.
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Justice Diana Kavedza’s Judicial Experience
Throughout her career, Justice Kavedza-Mochache has held several judicial and administrative responsibilities.
She served as Head of Station at the Shanzu and Kahawa Counter-Terrorism Courts, specialized court stations established to handle counter-terrorism proceedings.
In addition, Justice Diana also chaired the National Community Service Orders Committee and the Business Premises Rent Tribunal.
Her professional experience includes service at the Milimani Criminal Division and the Kibera High Court.
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Cases and Court Rulings
Justice Diana Kavedza delivered a ruling in the Utumishi Girls Academy fire case, Republic vs Subject Minors, at the Kibera High Court on September 21, 2026.
In delivering her ruling, the judge denied bail for the eight minors charged with 16 counts of murder following a dormitory fire that killed 16 students and injured 79 others.
In Waweru v. Republic (2026), ruling delivered on July 15, 2026, Diana upheld the conviction of the accused for trafficking 145.60 grams of cannabis.
However, the judge reduced her 15-year prison sentence to the time she had already served.
In a separate case on July 6, 2026, Justice Diana reviewed the sentence of the accused, who had been convicted of drug trafficking and fined KSh30 million in Musa vs Republic (2026).
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