The tally of bodies exhumed from Shakahola Forest in Kilifi County has hit 133, after 21 more bodies were exhumed from nine graves on Tuesday, May 9, 2023.
This comes even as 566 people associated with Paul Mackenzie’s church, Good News International Church, are reported missing according to Coast Regional Commissioner Rhoda Onyancha.
Five people were rescued on Tuesday bringing the total of those rescued so far to 68. DNA samples have been collected from 93 families with 14 people being reunited with their kin.
Interior cabinet secretary Kithure Kindiki on Tuesday announced that 25 people have so far been arrested, and the investigation team is closing in on level two and level three perpetrators who aided Mr Mackenzie.
Shakahola is a crime scene – Kindiki
“The entire 50,000-acre Chakama Ranch remains a security area and scene of crime with limited access for all persons who are unauthorised,” Kindiki announced.
“The exhumation process is a legal, medical, and human rights exercise that must be undertaken methodically and carefully to protect the dignity and privacy of families of the deceased persons. The Government will avail all information on the ongoing exercise, and limited access to the exhumation sites is to ensure that there is no violation of fundamental rights.”
At the centre of the killings is Pastor Paul Mackenzie who is accused of misleading his followers to fast to death in order to meet Jesus.
The police are seeking a further 90 days to continue detaining Mackenzie to allow for the completion of investigations.
