Eleven more bodies were exhumed from shallow graves in Shakahola Forest on Tuesday, as authorities continue their investigation into the mass deaths of followers of controversial preacher Paul Mackenzie.
The discovery brings the total number of bodies found to 145.
According to the Daily Brief, the Regional Commissioner announced that five additional individuals have been rescued, bringing the total number of rescued individuals to 68 since the start of the operation.
“We have a number of things going on, there are search and rescue teams that are working day and night. We have investigations going on and of course, we have phase two of exhumations which began on Tuesday,” she said.
Onyancha reported that approximately 566 individuals have reported missing relatives.
She further stated that efforts to provide medical attention and psychosocial support to those affected have been ongoing, and 14 victims have been successfully reunited with their families thus far.
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The Kilifi County-based Shakahola massacre inquiry commission has been officially established, with seven commissioners taking their oaths of office in the presence of Principal Judge Justice Erick Ogolla and Attorney General Justin Muturi.
On Wednesday, a court in Mombasa ruled that Paul Mackenzie, along with his wife Rhoda Maweu and 16 other suspects, will remain in custody for an additional 30 days due to ongoing investigations.
The decision was made by Shanzu Principal Magistrate Yusuf Shikanda, who expressed concerns about the safety and security of the suspects if they were to be released on bond at this point in time.
Although starvation is believed to be the primary reason for the fatalities, a number of victims, including children, were found to have been strangled, beaten or suffocated, as indicated by chief government pathologist Johansen Oduor.
Paul Mackenzie, has been in police custody since April, after he was implicated in the deaths of several members of his church.
The latest discovery of bodies has raised questions about the extent of Mackenzie’s involvement in the deaths.
The authorities have assured the public that they will leave no stone unturned in their investigations, and that those responsible for the deaths will be brought to justice.
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As the investigations continue, many questions remain unanswered, including how many more bodies might be buried in the forest, and whether there are any other suspects involved in the deaths.
