Almost a year since Pastor Paul Mackenzie was exposed on allegations of leading a cult in Shakahola, Kilifi County, families of the victims are yet to receive the DNA results.
Detectives who were deployed in Shakahola Forest retrieved 429 bodies which were buried in shallow graves. Out of the 429, 360 bodies were severely decomposed.
In a statement shared by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), families are yet to find closure due to the complex nature of the DNA required.
DPP noted that DNA for the 360 bodies proved to be costly and delicate thus slowing down the process.
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"Judge Joe Omido noted that 360 bodies were severely decomposed rendering the autopsy exercise delicate, costly, laborious & time consuming," DPP's statement read in part.
Following the DNA report, the judge granted the prosecution side 130 days to detain 66 suspects linked to the Shakahola Massacre including pastor Paul Mackenzie.
While issuing the orders, the judge observed that the suspects pose a flight risk due to the magnitude of crimes facing them and are likely to interfere with potential witnesses.
"He also ruled that if released, the suspects’ own safety would be at risk given that some had left their homes with children, who are now missing and presumed dead in the Shakahola Massacre," the judge ruled.
They will be detained at Shimo La Tewa, Kilifi and Malindi GK Prisons for 130 days which will be counted from September 11 2023 when the application for extension was made by the Prosecution.
The matter will be mentioned on January 18 2024 for the Prosecution to give the status of the investigations being conducted by the DCI, which will then determine the date for plea-taking.
