The families of the 429 people who were killed by a cult leader in Shakahola, Kilifi County, are still waiting for the DNA results of their loved ones, almost a year after the gruesome discovery.
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) has revealed that the delay is due to the difficulty and expense of conducting DNA tests on the 360 bodies that were badly decomposed.
According to the DPP, the bodies were buried in shallow graves in Shakahola Forest, where they were subjected to harsh environmental conditions that degraded their DNA.
The DPP said that the DNA tests require specialized equipment and expertise, which are not readily available in the country.
The DPP added that they are working with local and international partners to expedite the process and ensure that the families get justice and closure.
The office of the DPP also assured the public that the main suspect, Pastor Paul Mackenzie, who was arrested last year on charges of leading a cult and orchestrating the mass murder, will face the full wrath of the law.
Further, the office said that they have gathered enough evidence to prosecute Mackenzie and his accomplices, who are accused of brainwashing and exploiting their followers, and forcing them to participate in ritual killings.
The DPP urged anyone who has information on the whereabouts of the missing victims or the activities of the cult to come forward and assist the investigation. The DPP expressed their sympathy and solidarity with the families of the victims, and vowed to bring the perpetrators to book.
By Nairobinews