Editor's Review

The Shakahola massacre death toll has risen to 179 after twenty-nine more bodies were exhumed on Friday. 

The Shakahola massacre death toll has risen to 179 after twenty-nine more bodies were exhumed in Kilifi County.

Coast Regional Commissioner Rhoda Onyancha while making the announcement on Friday, May 12 at the Shakahola command center said no rescues were made.

She however stated that fifteen more people have been reported missing raising the total number to six hundred and nine.

During the daily brief Onyacha also stated that the exhumation exercise will shift to Pastor Mackenzie’s homestead to ensure all bodies buried are recovered.

File image of DCI forensics team at Shakahola forest.

The Exhumations resumed this week after they were suspended due to heavy rains in the area.

President William Ruto on Friday appointed Abdullatif Essajee Khaderbhai and Hassan Ahmednur Baricha as new commissioners of the Shakahola Tragedy Inquiry Commission to probe the cause of deaths of the victims.

“It is notified for the general information of the public that His Excellency Hon. William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces has appointed— Abdullatif Essajee Khaderbhai, Hassan Ahmednur Baricha, as Commissioners of the Commission of Inquiry into the Shakahola Tragedy established vide Gazette Notice No. 5660 of 2023,” the gazette notice read.