In the wake of the tragic Shakahola cult deaths, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki has announced the formation of a commission of inquiry to investigate the incident and recommend punitive measures against any public officials found responsible. Speaking in Kilifi, Kindiki assured that the commission will thoroughly examine the circumstances surrounding the deaths and establish a clear process of accountability.
“As we strive to understand how our people met their untimely end, any individual in the path of accountability will have their date with destiny,” Kindiki declared. He emphasized that the commission will focus on identifying public officers whose actions or negligence may have contributed to the tragedy.
The exhumation of bodies has been halted due to inclement weather, with authorities shifting their attention to identifying the 110 remains already uncovered last month. Kindiki confirmed that the area remains guarded by GSU officers and aerial surveillance will be deployed within two days.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations has appointed Abdallah Komesha to lead the investigation into the Shakahola mass deaths. As of now, 461 people have been reported missing, though Komesha noted that it is uncertain if all cases are connected to the Shakahola incident.
Chief Government Pathologist Johansen Oduor is overseeing the post-mortem examinations, which are expected to last approximately one week. However, Oduor cautioned that DNA matching to identify victims and their relatives could take a month or more.
With the inquiry commission soon to be established, the pursuit of justice for the victims of the Shakahola tragedy is well underway. The nation now awaits the findings of this investigation and the consequences for those held accountable.