Second phase of exhumation of bodies from Shakahola to kick off on Tuesday

The second phase of the exhumation of the bodies from Shakahola is set to kick off on Tuesday, as the investigations into the extent of the Paul Mackenzie-led cult activities continue.

The exhumations come at the end of the autopsy of over 100 bodies so far recovered.

The exhumations will start afresh as families of missing people continue to search and wait for the identification of the bodies so far retrieved from the forest.

Morris Yimbo is one of the over 400 families eagerly waiting for the outcome of the DNA matching to ascertain whether his five family members are amongst those who died in Shakahola

His four children left his home in Kisumu in 2020, bound for the country's coastal region, drawn there by their uncle, a follower of Mackenzie. The family's search for their kin took them to Lamu, Mombasa and finally Kilifi, Shakahola the latest home of the Good News International church, under Pastor Paul Mackenzie.

“mwaka wa pili ndio tulijua watoto wameenda kwa makenzie, tukampigia simu akazima,” says Elizabeth Mmboga, the grandmother.

“Nikiongewa na mackenzi watoto walikuwa hai. Mackenzie alisema wewe unatafuta watu wazima,” added Ayub Yimbo, the uncle.

Yimbo has been to Malindi in the wake of the breaking of the cult story where he says his worst fears were confirmed. His children aged between 14 and 21 were killed as they tried to escape from the shackles of the cult last month.

“Mackenzie  alipoachwa na bond ya 10,000 ndio alianza kazi ya kumaliza watu Tulielezewa na watoto waliookolewa kwamba kijana yangu mkubwa alimaliziwa huko. Nimezunguka forest siku nne. Wwatu wa kwanza sisi ndio tuliokoa zingine ni maiti,” adds Yimbo.

He is now waiting for the government agencies involved in the investigations to finish the DNA matching to allow them to identify their young men and get their bodies for burial.

The DCI's homicide department, currently leading the investigations into the deaths, together with the government chemist have been taking DNA samples from relatives that will help them match the bodies to their living relatives.

It is an exercise that requires patience according to red cross officials who are also involved in the tracing exercise.

“We are anticipating after the autopsy, the swapping is done for the ones looking for their loved ones, then we may be able to fast track the process once the DNA results are out,” said Fred Lutta, a Kenya Red Cross officer.