KILIFI, Kenya – The government has called for urgent cooperation from families affected by the Shakahola massacre, urging them to provide DNA samples to help identify the victims of the tragedy.
Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, speaking in Kilifi County after a security meeting, emphasized that the delay in the ongoing investigation is partially due to the lack of these crucial samples.
The massacre, which occurred in Shakahola forest on the Chakama Ranch in Kilifi County, has left over 500 people confirmed dead, many of whom remain unidentified.
Murkomen revealed that the identification process is being hampered by families who have not yet provided DNA samples.
The CS appealed to them to come forward to help fast-track the investigation, enabling those affected to receive justice and closure.
“We are committed to expediting the investigations, and the Government Chemist is seeking samples for DNA matching,” Murkomen said.
He added that for those victims who remain unidentified, the government plans to establish a memorial monument to honor their memory.
“We will make a memorial site for those who cannot be identified,” Murkomen stated.
However, the CS acknowledged that the investigation had faced significant delays, largely due to financial constraints.
He explained that a large amount of resources is required to complete the probe, and urged for a one-off budget allocation to conclude the investigation within the next three to four months.
The government also plans to designate a site for the monument, which will serve as a tribute to the victims.
The Shakahola incident, according to Murkomen, was a result of religious extremism and radicalization that should have been detected and prevented earlier.
He expressed regret that the tragedy had not been stopped in its tracks, despite receiving intelligence about suspicious activities.
“Whether this was an act of omission or commission by our security officers, we will get to the bottom of it, and proper evidence will lead to prosecution,” Murkomen promised.
The CS further pointed out that while government officials bear some responsibility, citizens also failed in their duty to act.
He urged Kenyans to be more vigilant and proactive, calling on people to raise alarms when they notice suspicious activities in their communities.
“It is regrettable that somebody received intelligence and failed to act on it,” Murkomen lamented, stressing that a collective effort was needed to prevent such tragedies.
The government also acknowledged substance abuse as a growing concern in the region, with Murkomen calling for an “all-of-society” approach to address the issue.
He emphasized that the problem should be tackled collaboratively, with input from various sectors of society, to curb its negative impact on the community.
On a broader note, Murkomen discussed ongoing efforts to improve the welfare of police and administrative officers.
He revealed that nearly half of the police stations in the country and 40 percent of National Government Administration Officers (NGAOs) do not have vehicles, contributing to operational inefficiencies.
However, the process of leasing 5,000 vehicles and motorcycles is nearing completion, which will help mitigate the acute shortage.
Additionally, the government is moving forward with plans to recruit 10,000 new police officers to address the staffing gap and improve service delivery.
Murkomen highlighted that the recruitment would also help with the rotation of officers, particularly in border areas, where officers often stay in one station for extended periods, potentially leading to corruption and collusion with criminal elements.
Despite the challenges, Murkomen reassured local communities that the government is taking necessary steps to ensure their security.
He emphasized that comprehensive measures are being implemented to address the identified concerns and improve overall public safety.
Murkomen was accompanied by Principal Secretary for Correctional Services Salome Beacco, local MPs, MCAs, and senior security officials as he toured the region.
