CS Kindiki Grants Media and 3 Others Access to Shakahola Forest
Tuesday, May 9th, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki increased the number of media representatives with daily access to Shakahola Forest in Kilifi County from one to two.
Kindiki stated in a press conference held within the forest that the move would permit all aspects of the investigation to be covered.
The CS also permitted a Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) and Human Rights Non-Governmental Organisation representative.
In addition, the Kenyan Red Cross team would be stationed permanently during the exhumation operation to provide humanitarian support.
Kindiki clarified why he had initially restricted access by stating that the restriction would allow the detectives to conduct the exhumation process effectively and without interference.
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He added that unrestricted access would have legal and security implications for the involved media outlets and the government.
“We can’t all go there because if we did, we wouldn’t be able to control what we’re doing, and we might end up with images that have legal ramifications not only for media outlets but also for the government.
“The exhumation process is a legal, medical, and security operation and not just any activity. Therefore, we must protect the families’ dignity. We have to ensure that no one sues the agencies for violation of fundamental rights, which is why we’re restricting access to exhumation sites in particular, he said.
In addition, the CS warned politicians to avoid the area and conduct business elsewhere.
“If they wish to engage in politics, there are other venues where they can hold rallies and express their political opinions. We have instructed officers here, under the direction of Coast Regional Coordinator Rhoda Onyancha, not to grant access to anyone who cannot demonstrate a role.”
“The entire Chakama ranch is an operational security zone. It is also a crime scene. We, therefore, restricted the movement of unauthorized individuals. “Any movement, assembly, or gathering between midnight and midnight will be considered a criminal act,” he reiterated.
Kindiki imposed a 30-day curfew from 12:00 midnight to 6:00 am on April 26, 2023. In addition, he prohibited public gatherings, processions, and group movements during this period.
CS Kindiki Grants Media and 3 Others Access to Shakahola Forest
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