Pathologists commence post-mortem tests on Shakahola bodies
Pathological examinations on the bodies that have so far been exhumed from shallow graves in Shakahola, Kilifi County has kicked off.
Nairobi News has established the examinations commenced on April 27, 2023, as the exhumation exercise went on.
As of April 26, 2023, 98 bodies had been exhumed from the Shakahola Forest where controversial pastor Mr Paul Mackenzie who leads the Good News International Church is said to have instructed his congregants to starve themselves in order to “meet Jesus”.
Police sources say the number of people who are still missing as per the records of family members is 300.
Interior CS Prof Kithure Kindiki has since declared a night curfew in Shakahola Forest in Malindi.
In a statement, Prof Kindiki said the curfew orders are going to be enforced for the next 30 days in and out of the Chakama Ranch.
“Curfew orders have also been declared and gazetted within the said area between 6pm and 6am for a period of 30 days,” the statement read in part.
The CS said the government is not going to allow any public gatherings, processions or movement of people either in groups or alone in the next 30 days.
Prof Kindiki said that only the Kilifi County Police Commander who will be allowed to allow people make any movements during the curfew time and this will be done in writing.
However, the police commander will have to make consultations with officers spearheading the ongoing exercise of exhuming bodies that had been buried in shallow graves in the forest.
Prof Kindiki also declared the Chakama Ranch of Land Rates number 13472/1 measuring 20,418 hectares and situated in Lango Baya Division, Malindi Sub-County as a disturbed area.
“The aforesaid declaration is contained in the Kenya Gazette Legal Notices Number 52 and 53 of 2023 published on Tuesday, 25th April 2023,” he said, adding that already it had officially been declared a crime scene.
According to the CS, the area is an active security operation zone and no one should be allowed access to it.
Also read: Dorcas Rigathi asks Kenyans to cease crucifying Pastor Mackenzie’s family