Nearly two years after the harrowing discovery of mass graves in Kilifi’s Shakahola forest, the Kenyan government has announced plans to conduct mass burials for unidentified victims and build a permanent memorial site at the scene.
The move comes amid frustration over the slow pace of victim identification, primarily due to families’ reluctance to provide DNA samples.
Speaking in Trans Nzoia County, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen acknowledged that the delay is hindering closure for affected families and straining morgue facilities in Kilifi County.
“We need to close this chapter of the Shakahola tragedy,” said Murkomen. “But to do so, we need more families to come forward for DNA testing. If you believe you lost a loved one in Shakahola, please present yourself and help us with identification.”
Out of the 429 bodies exhumed from the forest since April 2023, only 66 have been positively identified.
The government has so far collected 336 DNA samples but continues to struggle with matching the remaining victims to their relatives.
To address the growing backlog and provide dignity to the deceased, Murkomen revealed that the state is in discussions with the landowner of the forest area to designate a section for a burial and remembrance site.
“We want to create a permanent place where the unclaimed victims can be laid to rest respectfully,” he said.
He also noted that the memorial would serve as a reference point should families come forward in the future.
The man at the center of the tragedy, preacher Paul Mackenzie of the Good News International Church, remains in custody alongside several associates.
They face serious charges including genocide, terrorism, and manslaughter, following claims that Mackenzie led hundreds of his followers to starve to death under apocalyptic doctrines.
Murkomen urged the public to aid the identification process: “This is a national tragedy. Let’s give these souls dignity, and their families peace.”
