Government Accused of Deterring Survivors in Shakahola Operation
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) criticized the government on Thursday, May 11. For the Shakahola security operation, arguing that the forest arrests were frightening survivors.
Speaking in Malindi during a press briefing, Prof. Marion Mutugi, a commissioner at KNCHR urged the government to assure Shakahola victims that they will be treated as survivors but not suspects.
“It is regrettable that, thus far, the operations have focused on exhuming the dead rather than rescuing the living. Reports that come to the commission suggest that there are many people still in the forest and because of fear of arrest they have resided deep into the forest,” Marion explained.
Marion stated that calming the fears of the victims would facilitate the rescue operation. By encouraging more survivors to turn themselves into the authorities.
She suggested altering the security operation’s strategy to place a greater emphasis on the still-trapped survivors in the forest.
Marion stated, “We recommend a reevaluation of priorities to emphasize the rescue of the living, and in this regard, we call for a strategy that facilitates saving the lives of radicalized, indoctrinated individuals in the forest.”
She praised the local community, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), and the media for their contributions to the Shakahola tragedy.
“We wish to note that it is the CSOs, members of the community, and the media that brought this issue to the forefront,” she stated.
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In addition, the commission urged religious organizations to abandon doctrines that are harmful to worshippers, particularly children.
“Fasting is a common feature encouraged by various religions but we note that there is no religion that propagates this to the point of death. Such religious practices and other self-denial should not extend to children,” she explained.
The KNCHR commissioner called for thorough investigations. Into all religious activities in the country to avoid a repeat of what occurred in the Shakahola forest.
A statement by the KNCHR came two weeks. After Interior Cabinet Secretary, Kithure Kindiki, on April 26, declared a dusk-to-dawn curfew at the Chakama Ranch. Which holds the 800-acre Shakahola Forest in Kilifi County.
The chief of staff stated that the area was unsettling. And that the curfew would allow security officers to continue their exhumations and investigations.
Still, on the same matter, the Interior CS announced a massive reshuffle of police bosses in Kilifi County on April 28.
Kindiki stated that the transfer of police chiefs would allow the government to conduct exhaustive investigations into the mass graves in Shakahola Forest.
As of Wednesday, May 10, at least 145 bodies had been exhumed from the forest.
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