After a recent silence regarding what is happening in Shakahola, Kilifi County, the Ministry of Interior on Thursday, September 28, announced that the exhumation exercise will end soon.
Speaking to a section of the media, Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo noted that the exhumation exercise which started in April is at an advanced stage and relevant authorities will end the exercise once critical examination is concluded.
Omollo said the exhumation and collection of evidence related to the cult, which is associated with the deaths of hundreds, took an extended period due to the advanced state of decomposition of the bodies.
“Investigations are still ongoing because of the sheer number of bodies and the significant decomposition that had occurred. The DNA analysis process is time-consuming,” PS Omollo stated.
Additionally, Omollo urged Kenyans to exercise patience, saying the perpetrators led by Pastor Paul Mackenzie will face the law.
“We anticipate completing the exhumation and investigations within the next month or two, at which point charges will be filed against the accused individuals,” he added.
A multi-agency team, led by officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), had exhumed more than 450 bodies suspected to be followers of Pastor Paul Mackenzi’s church.
Mackenzie, who is currently in police custody, has denied any involvement in the existence of mass graves.
Earlier Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki had accused Mackenzie of religious extremism. He hinted that the government was planning on leveling terrorism charges against the preacher.
Following the massive death associated with Mackenzie’s cult, President William Ruto instituted a commission of inquiry to formulate laws governing religious institutions.
The commission is still gathering information before presenting its findings to President Ruto. The findings will dictate how religious organizations will carry out their daily activities.
