In Summary
• The bodies were exhumed on Monday from the Shakahola Forest
• Meanwhile the residents of Shakahola have taken issue with pace at which the exercise is being carried out.
DCI homicide detectives have exhumed 7 bodies from the Shakohola forest. The bodies were exhumed today on phase five of exhumation. Government pathologist Johansen Oduor says some 50 graves have been earmarked for dig-ups.
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights had two months ago asked government to resume the exhumation and establish whether there could be more bodies at the Shakahola graves Kilifi County.
Recommendations of KNCHR
i Immediately order the resumption of the pending exhumations to facilitate the conclusion of investigations and release of the bodies to their next of kin for burial and closure.
ii. Bring to account all Security officers and National Administration Officers whose acts of omission and commission abetted and aided the Shakahola massacre. This should include charging them with criminal negligence and individual responsibility.
iii. Facilitate the survivors to regain their vital documents which were destroyed as a result of the indoctrination and radicalization. These include; National Identity Cards, passports, birth certificates, Title Deeds, and academic and marriage certificates.
iv. Establish a multi-agency/multi-stakeholder de-radicalization and rehabilitation plan to facilitate the reintegration of the survivors into their homes, families, and communities.
Between April 25, 2023, and October 2023, the government conducted a search and rescue operation while simultaneously exhuming bodies from various mass graves. At the end of the exercise, a total of 429 bodies were exhumed, and 67 adults and 25 children were rescued.
Residents Plea
Meanwhile the residents of Shakahola have taken issue with pace at which the exercise is being carried out saying they are traumatized.
“Makaburi haya yanatisha sana serikali imalize tumechoka sana na hizi taarifa za Kila siku za Mili kwa Sababu ni majabu.Wakaazi hapa Shakahola wana huzuni tu kwa Sababu hata Kijiji chenyewe kimepata jina baya zaidi,kwani Mazingira ya mauaji yaliletwa na shughui hii ya pasta Makenzie.” Leonard said.
