A total of 21 bodies have been exhumed today in Shakahola mass graves bringing the total number of dead people to 133 and 68 rescued so far.
The second phase of exhumation started today while a multi-agency operation in the 800-acre Shakahola land and 5000-acre Chakama ranch in Kilifi County continues.
Speaking during a tour of the area where a second phase of the exhumation exercise started on Tuesday, Interior Cabinet Secretary Prof Kithure Kindiki expressed fears that more bodies are likely to be found because a total of 20 new mass graves have been discovered.
“We still have a long way to go in the exhumation because we have already discovered 20 new mass graves in the forest. This was a highly organized crime,” said Prof Kindiki.
The CS explained that the reason why he is limiting access to the crime scene is because the exhumation of bodies is a legal, medical and human rights process but stated that every day two journalists from different media houses will be allowed to spend the day with the exhumation team so that to share the details with the rest.
He added that the Red Cross team will be permanently at the scene due to their role and a representative of Kenya National Human Rights and from the nongovernmental organization will be present.
Prof Kindiki insisted that no politician whether from the government or opposition will be allowed at the scene irrespective of the rank in the society and the multi-agency team must also stay away from any form of politics.
“I have instructed the Coast Regional Commissioner not to give access to anyone unless they are performing a particular role in the operation exercise,” he said.
He however pointed out that the members of the national assembly security committee will be allowed because they have an oversight role to play in the exercise.
On taking responsibility for the massacre, the CS said not only the perpetrators but also the government officials who failed in their role to protect the lives of Kenyans.
Prof Kindiki said by yesterday, a total of 88 bodies had undergone DNA tests and that the exercise is ongoing
