Kilifi County has issued a 21-day notice for families to claim the remains of their loved ones recovered during multiagency operations in Shakahola and Kwa Bi Nzaro. The county government, through Health executive Peter Mwarogo, stated that 443 bodies and 45 body parts are being held at Malindi Sub-County Hospital Mortuary. Relatives, next of kin, and anyone with information to help establish the identities of the remains are urged to visit the mortuary.
The notice, issued on September 17, gives families 21 days to complete the identification and collection process. After the deadline, any unclaimed remains will be disposed of in accordance with the law and applicable regulations. The county based its directive on several legal provisions, including Article 183 of the Constitution, Section 36(1)(a) and (c) of the County Governments Act, the Public Health Act, and the Public Health (Public Mortuaries) Rules.
Article 183 assigns county executive committees responsibility for administering county functions and implementing relevant legislation. Section 36(1)(a) and (c) of the County Governments Act outlines the responsibilities of county executive committees in overseeing administration and delivery of county services. The Public Health Act and the Public Health (Public Mortuaries) Rules provide a framework for managing remains in public mortuaries.
The notice comes more than three years after mass graves were discovered in Shakahola Forest, where followers of preacher Paul Mackenzie were found dead. The process of identifying victims has taken years due to decomposed bodies complicating forensic examinations. The government began handing over identified remains to families in 2024, but hundreds remain unclaimed.
Authorities are also dealing with a separate case linked to Kwa Bi Nzaro in Malindi, where prosecutors allege that another group of Shakahola followers was subjected to radicalisation and prolonged fasting. Six people, including Mackenzie and self-styled priestess Sharleen Temba Anindo, face charges in the case related to the deaths of 52 people.
With the 21-day period now running from September 17, families and next of kin are urged to complete the identification and collection process. The county will proceed with disposal of unclaimed bodies under the law if they are not claimed. The directive aims to ensure that remains are handled in a dignified and lawful manner.
The Shakahola and Kwa Bi Nzaro tragedies have had a significant impact on the community, with many families still grieving the loss of their loved ones. The county government's directive is a step towards resolving the issue of unclaimed remains and providing closure for the affected families.
Key points
- Kilifi County has given families 21 days to claim remains of 443 bodies and 45 body parts recovered from Shakahola and Kwa Bi Nzaro tragedies.
- The county based its directive on several legal provisions governing its responsibilities and handling of bodies in public mortuaries.
- The process of identifying victims has taken years due to decomposed bodies complicating forensic examinations.
