Gov't to foot transport expenses for bodies of Shakahola victims

429 bodies have been at the mortuary for nearly a year since they were exhumed from Shakahola forest, where victims of the starvation cult were buried after fasting to go to heaven.

Those who died were followers of cult leader Paul Mackenzie who is being held with other followers in prison.

At the same time, the national government will acquire 4000 acres of the 50,000 Chakama Ranch where the Shakahola massacre occurred to put up a memorial centre.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki said the memorial area will be used to bury bodies that will not have been identified by their families. 

Speaking in Kilifi on Wednesday, Kindiki said the memorial will also serve as a reminder of the atrocities committed.

He also announced that the remaining land which was gazzetted as a crime scene has been degazetted. It is only the 4000 acres that remains a crime scene. 

Human rights organisations present during the visit included Amnesty International Haki Africa Malindi Community Human Rights Center. 

Martin Shipeta of Haki Africa said they were happy that the government will fund families that are unable to transport their bodies.

He also called for the speedy action against the officers who were named for failing to take action against the injustices committed by the controversial preacher Paul Mackenzie.

Irungu Houghton, the Executive Director Amnesty International hailed Kindiki for the initiative, calling on the ministry to allow media and human rights organisations guided access to the enclosed 4000 acre land.