DCI releases 10 Shakahola cult victims to families for burial

Detectives from the Homicide Unit have released 10 bodies of the Shakahola victims, who were followers of controversial preacher Paul Mackenzie, for burial in the Western and Nyanza regions.

Families of the deceased gathered at the morgue to view the bodies, which had been positively identified through DNA matching. The bodies were later transported by a DCI vehicle to the victims’ respective homes for burial.

According to authorities, the released bodies include one from Likuyani, two from Malava in Kakamega, two from Butere, two from Emuhaya, and one from Kisii.

This brings the total number of bodies released so far to 11, following the release of one body last week that was transported to Meru.

The DCI is assisting families in transporting the bodies to their homes, as many are unable to afford the cost of transfer.

At the morgue, relatives of Shakahola massacre victims continue to flock the facility and the tracing desk, where they receive counselling and guidance before viewing the bodies. After the viewing, the families are counselled again and given time to make burial arrangements.

More than 400 bodies were discovered in 2023 in the remote forest in the coastal town of Malindi, where followers of controversial preacher Paul Mackenzie were allegedly encouraged to starve themselves to death.