The Kilifi County government has announced plans to dispose of over 400 unclaimed bodies of victims of the Shakahola massacre by December this year. According to Kilifi County Executive Committee (CEC) Peter Mwarogo, the bodies have been in the county's custody since 2023 when the incident was first reported. A total of 443 bodies have been embalmed at the county base, and investigators have given the green light for their disposal.
CEC Mwarogo stated that the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has allowed them to proceed with the interment of the bodies, which will be done in a manner that allows for identification. The county has both full bodies and body parts embalmed, and family members are being urged to identify their relatives before the county takes action. The identification process is ongoing, with 14 bodies already identified by families.
The county government has identified a land near Shakahola where the unclaimed bodies will be interred. According to CEC Mwarogo, the process will be complete by December, and the bodies will be disposed of 21 days after the publication of a gazette notice. This move comes as the tragedy has moved into its critical judicial and final forensic phases, with cult leader Paul Mackenzie and his co-defendants facing multiple charges.
Paul Mackenzie and his co-defendants have remained in custody facing charges of murder, manslaughter, terrorism, and child abuse. One of the suspects implicated in the massacre, Enos Amanya, also known as Haleluya, has admitted his role in the death of 429 victims. Amanya, through his lawyer Kelvin Lisanza, asked for a reduced sentence, expressing regret for his actions.
The Shakahola massacre is one of the most tragic incidents in recent Kenyan history, with many families affected by the tragedy. The county government's decision to dispose of the unclaimed bodies is aimed at bringing closure to the affected families and allowing for the healing process to begin. CEC Mwarogo emphasized that the county is committed to handling the matter in a dignified and respectful manner.
The mass burial is expected to take place on a designated land near Shakahola, and the county government is urging family members to come forward and identify their relatives. The county has put in place measures to ensure that the disposal of the bodies is done in a dignified and respectful manner, with the aim of bringing closure to the affected families.
As the judicial process continues, the county government's move to dispose of the unclaimed bodies is seen as a step towards healing and recovery for the affected communities. The incident has had a significant impact on the region, and the county government's efforts to bring closure to the affected families are ongoing.
Key points
- The Kilifi County government will dispose of over 400 unclaimed bodies of Shakahola massacre victims by December.
- 443 bodies have been embalmed at the county base, and investigators have given the green light for their disposal.
- The mass burial will take place on a designated land near Shakahola, and family members are urged to come forward and identify their relatives.
