Shakahola Death Toll Rises To 443 After 7 More Bodies Exhumed
The grim toll of the Shakahola Massacre has climbed to 443, with the unearthing of seven more bodies during the ongoing phase five excavation in the Shakahola forest. This latest development brings the total number of bodies exhumed in this phase to 14.
During the initial day of operations, four bodies were recovered from a single grave, while the remaining three were found buried separately. Chief Government pathologist Johansen Oduor emphasized the systematic approach employed in the investigation, ensuring thoroughness at every stage, including the autopsy process.
Highlighting the procedural intricacies, Oduor stated, “Each agency has its specific training protocols, ensuring that every step, from the discovery of the body to the transportation to the mortuary and the autopsy, is meticulously executed. The findings from each agency are compiled into a comprehensive report, essential for prosecution purposes.”
Homicide detectives have, to date, unearthed bodies from 10 graves in their ongoing efforts. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations’ homicide detectives revisited Shakahola to launch the fifth phase of excavation, focusing on areas where 429 bodies had been previously exhumed from multiple mass graves.
These bodies are believed to be followers of a dangerous religious sect associated with the controversial Pastor Paul Mackenzie of Good News International Church in Kilifi County. Mackenzie and 94 others were arrested in April last year on charges of inciting followers to fast unto death. Since then, they have remained in custody, facing a litany of charges, including murder, manslaughter, and child torture linked to the Shakahola case.
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Shakahola Death Toll Rises To 443 After 7 More Bodies Exhumed