Shakahola Massacre: 12 Bodies Found, 579 Still Missing
Twelve more bodies have been discovered in the Shakahola Forest in Kilifi County, which is believed to be the final resting place for hundreds of people who perished at the hands of an alleged starvation cult.
The Coast Regional Commissioner Rhoda Onyancha stated that out of the 12 bodies that were recovered on Wednesday, 11 were found to have been exhumed from graves while the remaining body was discovered dumped on the ground.
The second phase of the exhumation exercise began on Tuesday, bringing the total number of dead bodies recovered so far from the forest to 145. This brings the total number of bodies recovered so far from the forest to 145.
As the search for the missing persons in the forest continues, the Coast Regional Commissioner reported that there have been 579 people reported missing by their families, some of whom are believed to have been members of the cult. The search is still ongoing.
Onyancha also disclosed that two people, both men, were rescued. Bringing the total number of people who have been rescued to 70 as of right now.
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She stated that DNA samples had been obtained from 93 families. Resulting in 14 individuals being reconnected with their biological relatives.
While the investigation into the shocking deaths continues. The number of arrests made in connection with the deaths has remained at 25.
Prof. Kithure Kindiki, the Secretary of the Interior Cabinet. Announced on Tuesday that the government would use all of the resources at its disposal to investigate what had happened at Shakahola.
According to the CS, there is still a significant amount of work to be done. As security agencies continue to search the vast forest that is connected to the controversial preacher Paul Mackenzie.
In the meantime, Mackenzie and the 17 other co-defendants who are still being held in police custody. Will continue to be held for another thirty days pending the conclusion of investigations.
On Wednesday, Senior Principal Magistrate Yusuf Shikanda of the Shanzu Law Courts delivered the ruling. In it, he stated that releasing the suspects would put both their safety and the ongoing investigations at risk.
Shakahola Massacre: 12 Bodies Found, 579 Still Missing
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