State to conduct mass burials for unidentified Shakahola victims.
The Kenyan government has revealed plans to bury hundreds of unidentified victims from the Shakahola forest tragedy, nearly two years after the first mass graves were discovered. Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen confirmed that a permanent memorial site will also be established in the area.
Murkomen, speaking in Trans Nzoia County, highlighted the ongoing difficulties in identifying victims. Only 66 out of the 429 exhumed bodies have been matched so far, despite the collection of 336 DNA samples.
“We need to close this chapter of the Shakahola tragedy. But to do so, we need more families to come forward for DNA testing,” he urged.
The reluctance of families to present samples has delayed the process and led to overcrowding in Kilifi morgues.
To ease the burden and offer closure, Murkomen said the government is finalising talks with the landowner to allocate part of the forest for burials and a remembrance site.
“We want to create a permanent place where the unclaimed victims can be laid to rest respectfully,” Murkomen stated.
He added that the memorial will serve as a future reference point for families who may later come forward.
Paul Mackenzie, leader of the Good News International Church, is still being held along with several associates. They face multiple charges, including terrorism and genocide, after leading followers to starve under extreme religious teachings.
Murkomen appealed to the public to aid in the identification process, saying:
“This is a national tragedy. Let’s give these souls dignity, and their families peace.”
This planned memorial marks a sombre but necessary step toward healing a community deeply scarred by the horrific Shakahola events.
