Nairobi – Members of the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party have placed blame on the National Police Service, led by Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome, for the devastating Shakahola cult massacre. The opposition party asserts that the security agencies are at fault for the horrifying loss of life.
At a recent press conference, National Assembly Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi argued that the government agencies failed in their duty to protect innocent Kenyans. As a result, Azimio has called for the resignation of Koome, labeling the security agencies’ mistakes as “unforgivable.”
Wandayi stated, “This is a monumental failure of the State—an unforgivable lapse in security intelligence that should, in theory, extend from Nairobi to Shakahola and every village in Kenya. This system has failed, and Kenyans deserve to know why.”
The Azimio la Umoja One Kenya leaders are demanding a public inquiry into the security and intelligence systems to uncover the truth behind the distressing deaths, where cult followers were ordered to starve themselves. Wandayi urged for a re-evaluation of the intelligence system and a redefinition of what constitutes national security.
In related news, Inspector General Koome reported that 11 more bodies have been exhumed, bringing the total to 50 since the recovery operation began last week. Additionally, 29 individuals believed to be followers of the cult leader, Mackenzie, have been rescued and hospitalized. The overall death toll from the cult’s activities now stands at 58, including eight rescued individuals who succumbed to their injuries.
Director of Criminal Investigations, Mohammed Amin, arrived at Shakahola village to oversee the ongoing exhumation process.