The ongoing exhumation exercise in the Shakahola forest has uncovered two additional bodies as part of phase five, which commenced recently. This phase has seen a total of 21 bodies exhumed so far, contributing to a grim death toll now standing at 450 individuals.
During this phase alone, over 30 graves have been opened, with 32 bodies identified through DNA testing at the Malindi morgue in Kilifi County. However, families awaiting closure may face prolonged waits for DNA results due to the extensive nature of the process, which has been meticulously conducted under the supervision of Chief Government pathologist Johansen Oduor.
This intensive investigation, led by homicide detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), has focused on approximately 50 graves near areas previously identified for mass exhumations. These efforts are concentrated in regions associated with the religious sect connected to Pastor Paul Mackenzie of the Good News International Church in Kilifi County.
Pastor Mackenzie, along with 94 co-accused individuals, has been in custody since April of the previous year, facing serious charges such as inciting followers to fast to death, murder, manslaughter, and child torture in connection with the tragic events at Shakahola.