Malindi family seeks help as burial of 4 Shakahola victims nears

A family in Malindi is appealing for help to conduct a descent burial for four family members who perished in the Shakahola forest, Kilifi county.

The four are alleged to have been followers of controversial pastor Paul Mackenzie who is accused of subjecting worshippers to fasting in order  for them to see heaven.

They were given four bodies on March 26 by the government after their DNA matched with family members.

They preserved the bodies at the Star Hospital mortuary ahead of burial this Friday.

The family belongs to an ex-GSU officer who is said to have quit his job to join Pastor Mackenzie together with his wife and children.

In total, the family lost 8 family members but four are still missing.

They belong to the family of the whistleblower of the Shakahola deaths.

Titus Ngonyo said they are burying four family members including his wife, son (the ex-GSU officer), daughter-in-law and grandchild.

When journalists visited the home in the Myeye area of the Malindi sub-county, family members and relatives were fundraising to raise the money to conduct the burial.

Ngonyo said they dug a single grave with four chambers to reduce the costs as they have not received any help from the government as promised.

Speaking to journalists at the gravesite, he said they had done a budget of Sh50,000 but have since raised only Sh250, 000 and they still need Sh 100,000.

He said it's a rainy season but they have only one tent for mourners with no chairs.

Ngonyo said whoever would wish to send a contribution can do so with the mobile number 0795,511345.

Edward Mambo a neighbour said the community is mourning the loss of the family members which is a big blow.

He said the funeral was a heavy burden to the family.

“This family is appealing for help to conduct a decent send-off for their loved ones,” he said.