Kenyan Senator Edwin Sifuna has called for a comprehensive forensic review before the burial of 443 unclaimed bodies from the Shakahola tragedy. He urged the Senate committee to confirm that all DNA and family-tracing efforts are completed. Sifuna's request comes as the Kilifi County Government prepares to bury the unclaimed remains in December 2026. The senator's concerns focus on ensuring that all reasonable identification measures have been exhausted.
During a Senate session, Sifuna asked the Senate Standing Committee on Justice, Legal Affairs and Human Rights to verify the status of DNA profiling and other forensic processes. He emphasized that some remains could serve as crucial evidence in ongoing investigations into missing persons linked to the Shakahola and Kwa Binzaro tragedies. The senator also requested an update on the Shakahola site, inquiring about potential additional human remains.
The Kilifi County Government issued a public notice on September 17, 2026, directing relatives and the public to identify 443 bodies and 45 body parts recovered during multi-agency operations. The notice set a 21-day window for identification and collection. Unclaimed remains will be disposed of in accordance with constitutional and statutory provisions, including Article 183 of the Constitution and Section 36(1)(a) and (c) of the County Governments Act.
The Shakahola tragedy involved mass graves uncovered in Shakahola Forest, where followers of preacher Paul Mackenzie died after prolonged fasting. The process has required extensive forensic work due to severe decomposition. Since 2024, the government has released identified remains to families, but hundreds remain unclaimed. The Senate is demanding a comprehensive status report before the planned burial.
Sifuna's concerns highlight the need for thorough identification processes. He stressed that families must be given sufficient opportunity to identify and claim relatives among the unclaimed remains. The senator's request aims to ensure that all possible efforts are made to reunite families with their loved ones.
The County Executive Committee Member for Health and Sanitation Services, Peter Mwarogo, signed the public notice. The notice is in line with the Public Health Act and its mortuary rules, which govern the handling of unclaimed bodies. The Kilifi County Government is following the necessary protocols for the disposal of unclaimed remains.
The call for clarity follows a three-year period since the mass graves were uncovered. The Senate's demand for a comprehensive status report aims to ensure that all necessary procedures are followed before the burial of the unclaimed victims.
Key points
- Senator Edwin Sifuna urges full forensic review before burial of 443 unclaimed Shakahola victims
- Kilifi County Government to bury unclaimed remains in December 2026
- Senate demands comprehensive status report on Shakahola victims' identification process
