Ruto: Inquiry commission will hold Shakahola culprits accountable

The head of state added that he will talk to religious leaders on the matter.

In Summary
  • Ruto also apologised to Kenyans for the tragedy that occurred in Shakahola urging them to be very careful.  
  • On May 5, President Ruto appointed a commission of inquiry into the Shakohola deaths through a gazette notice. 
President William Ruto during a round table with Journalists at State House, Nairobi on May 14, 2023
President William Ruto during a round table with Journalists at State House, Nairobi on May 14, 2023
Image: SCREENGRAB

President William Ruto has said the Commission of Inquiry he appointed on May 5 will put people involved in Shakahola deaths into account. 

The head of state added that he will talk to religious leaders on the matter. 

"We must treat this issue as terrorism. I have asked the religious leaders to sit down and come up with self-regulation mechanism to avoid such matters in future," he said. 

"The commission of the inquiry will put every person involved in the matter accountable."

Ruto also apologised to Kenyans for the tragedy that occurred in Shakahola urging them to be very careful. 

"It is very important for us to know that radicalization in any matter is dangerous, we must always be careful," he added.  

On May 5, President Ruto appointed a commission of inquiry into the Shakohola deaths through a gazette notice. 

The head of state said Lady Justice Jessie Lessit will chair the commission, together with sevens others. 

The members of the commission are Lady Justice Mary Kasango, Eric Gumbo, Bishop Catherine Mutua and Jonathan Lodompui. 

Others are Frank Njenga, Wanyama Musiambu and Albert Musasia. 

The commission will also have joint secretaries Oliver Karori and Rachel Maina. It will also have Kioko Kilukumi as its lead counsel, assisted by Vivian Nyambeki and Bahati Mwamuye. 

The mandate of the commission of inquiry will be mainly to inquire into the deaths, torture, and inhumane and degrading treatments of members of the Good News International Church. 

"The team will establish the circumstances under which the deaths and inhumane torture occurred," the gazette notice said. 

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