Kilifi DG defends county as anger over Shakahola deaths grows.
As outrage over the deaths at Shakahola grows, the short title of the Kilifi director of government gives the county’s perspective.
The death toll currently stands at 83.
Kilifi Vice-Governor Flora Mbetsa Chibule has defended the county administration against allegations that it has not done enough to assist victims of the Paul Mackenzie-led cult.
Chebule asserts that the local administration did not receive briefings that would have enabled it to participate meaningfully in efforts to prevent radicalization.
“Our governor Gideon Mung’aro does not sit on the county security team and receives no intelligence briefings. “It is inappropriate to blame him,” she stated.
She stated that the pastor’s tendencies surfaced in 2019 and that local leaders even clashed with him, but it is unclear how security agents allowed him to remain free.
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She added that the local administration had provided substantial support and resources to the ongoing security operation in Shakahol, including body bags, food for security personnel, and tents for the efforts.
As the exhumation process continues, officials anticipate discovering additional bodies in the vast forest.
Monday saw the discovery of 26 additional bodies in shallow graves in the region. According to police, this brings the total number of deaths attributed to the cult to 73.
Since Friday, April 21, a total of 65 bodies have been exhumed, while eight others have passed away in hospitals. On Monday, police also rescued nine people, five of whom were in critical condition.
Police reported that the exhumation of Paul Mackenzie’s 800-acre property was halted on Monday due to inclement weather and resumed on Tuesday.
Mackenzie, who is currently in police custody. Is under investigation for allegedly influencing his followers to starve to death to meet their creator.
Numerous leaders have faulted the government and local administration for failing to contain the threat.
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