Interior Cabinet Secretary (CS) Prof Kithure Kindiki has told politicians to keep off Shakahola Forest in Kilifi County, saying it is a security operation zone.
Prof Kindiki said he will not allow leaders to play politics with the security of the nation, adding that the massacre that was meted on the people in Shakahola should not be politicised.
Speaking to the media on Tuesday, Kindiki said the restriction will not be lifted any time soon and all politicians must keep off the area.
“If they want to do politics there are other places where they can hold their rallies and speak their politics. We have instructed officers here led by Coast Regional Commander not to give access to anyone unless they have a role to demonstrate.”
“The reason we are limiting access is that exhumation of bodies is legal, medical and a human right process. These are bodies of our fellow Kenyans, brothers and sisters, someone spouses, we must protect the dignity of the families.” Kindiki said adding.
“We have to do it in a legal manner so that nobody sues the multiagency team doing it.”
According to the CS, the government has allowed a representative of Kenya’s national human rights organisation and one from a non-governmental organisation to be present during the process.
“The red cross team will be permanently present during the exhumation exercise due to their unique role.”
