DPP: Reason DNA results for Shakahola victims are not yet out

 

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecution is finding it difficult to solve the mystery of what caused the deaths in the Shakahola Massacre cult case.

This is because doing DNA tests on 429 exhumed bodies takes a significant amount of time and money, according to the Office of Director of Public Prosecutions.

Severe decomposition was also discovered in 360 of the 429 remains.

Thus, the Prosecution's request to keep 66 Shakahola Massacre suspects in custody for an additional 130 days until an investigation and charges are made was approved by Senior Principal Magistrate Joe Omido.

Through ADPP Jami Yamina, the prosecution had requested 180 days.

The magistrate observed that 360 of the remains were badly decomposed, making the autopsy procedure difficult, expensive, time-consuming, and labor-intensive.

The court acknowledged that given the seriousness of the offences they face, suspects present a flight risk and are likely to obstruct prospective witnesses.

Additionally, Omido declared that since several of the suspects had fled their houses with children—who are still missing and thought to have died in the Shakahola Massacre—their own safety would be in jeopardy if they were released.

They will be held for 130 days at the GK Prisons in Shimo La Tewa, Kilifi, and Malindi. The prosecution filed the request for an extension on September 11, 2023.

On January 18, 2024, the subject will be discussed so that the prosecution can update the DCI on the progress of its investigations. The DCI will then decide when to take a plea.

 BY  LINDWE DANFLOW