Editor's Review

The team will have eight commissioners, two joint secretaries, a lead counsel and two assisting lead counsels.

President William Ruto has appointed a 13-member team that will form the commission of inquiry into the Shakahola tragedy that has seen over 100 bodies exhumed from an 800-acre piece of land allegedly owned by controversial pastor Paul Mackenzie. 

The team will have eight commissioners, two joint secretaries, a lead counsel, and two assisting lead counsels.

In a Gazette Notice seen by Nairobi Leo, President Ruto has named Lady Justice Jessie Lessit as the chairperson of the commission on inquiry. 

Other members appointed as commissioners include Lady Justice (Rtd)Mary Muhanji Kasango, Eric Gumbo, Bishop Catherine Mutua, Jonathan Lodompui, Frank Njenga, Wanyama Musiambu and Albert Musasia.

Lady Justice Jessie Lessit. PHOTO | COURTESY

The two joint secretaries are Oliver Kipchumba Karori and Rachel Maina.

Lawyer Kioko Kilukumi will be the lead counsel while Vivian Janet Nyambeki and Bahati Mwamuye will be assisting counsel.

The commission will be required to inquire into matters of death, torture, and inhumane and degrading treatment of members and other persons linked to the Good News International church in Kilifi County.

They will also establish the circumstances in which the deaths occurred and identify the persons who bear the greatest responsibility For the Shakahola tragedy.

The commission will further recommend legal, administrative, or other forms of accountability action against any public official whose actions or ommissions are established to have willfully or negligently contributed to the occurrence of the Shakahola Tragedy.