Ten more bodies exhumed from Shakahola forest

The body count has now risen to 284.

In Summary
  • Coast Regional Commissioner Rhoda Onyancha said DNA samples have so far been taken from 93 relatives who are looking for their missing loved ones.
  • She further said no one was rescued on Monday meaning the number of rescues still stands at 95 while those who have been reunited with their families are 19.
Detectives exhuming bodies in Shakahola forest on June 12, 2023.
Detectives exhuming bodies in Shakahola forest on June 12, 2023.
Image: ALPHONCE GARI

Ten more bodies were on Monday dug out from shallow graves during the ongoing third phase of exhumation in Shakahola forest in Kilifi County.

This brings to 284 the total body count of people believed to have been followers of controversial pastor Paul Mackenzie, a man who is believed to have brainwashed the victims to starve to death so as to meet their creator.

Coast Regional Commissioner Rhoda Onyancha said DNA samples have so far been taken from 93 relatives who are looking for their missing loved ones.

She further said no one was rescued on Monday meaning the number of rescues still stands at 95 while those who have been reunited with their families are 19.

Onyancha also added that the number of those in custody still stands at 35 as no new arrests have been made.

While giving the daily update at the command centre located at Kilifi Subcounty Hospital, Onyancha said those reported missing are 613.

The exhumation exercise will continue on Tuesday.

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