Almost a year after the Shakahola tragedy shocked the country, hundreds of families are still waiting for answers. More than 500 bodies were found in shallow graves in Kilifi’s Shakahola forest, and many remain unidentified.
Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen is now urging families to come forward with DNA samples to help speed up identification.
“We are committed to expediting the investigations, and the Government Chemist is seeking samples for DNA matching,” said Murkomen during a visit to Kilifi. “Only few people are complaining of losing their people. For those not identified, we will make a memorial site.”
But many see this call as misplaced putting pressure on grieving families rather than acknowledging the State’s failure to prevent the massacre or move the investigation faster.
Murkomen admitted the process has faced delays due to limited resources. He said the government is now pushing for a one-time budget to finish the work within the next three to four months.
Beyond the identification process, the CS acknowledged that security officers may have ignored early warnings. “Whether this was an act of omission or commission by our security officers between 2020 and 2021, we will get to the bottom of that,” he said.
He also pointed a finger at the community for not raising the alarm. “Citizens should have done their civic duty as good neighbours,” he added a statement that raised eyebrows among those who feel the government should lead, not shift blame.
To prevent future tragedies, Murkomen outlined plans to modernize police stations, lease 5,000 vehicles, and recruit 10,000 new officers. But for the families still in mourning, words and promises aren’t enough.
