Police ignored intelligence on Shakahola – Ombudsman

 

Pastor Mackenzie

A probe by the Commission on Administrative Justice into Shakahola tragedy in Kilifi has blamed the police and state administrators for the deaths.

A report by the commission said there was a dereliction of duty by the two, which allowed the occurrence of the tragedy.

The commission said the investigation further established that reports of Paul Mackenzie’s activities were made at Langobaya police station, the chief’s office in Chakama, and the Malindi subcounty and Langobaya Division Security Intelligence Committees between 2021 and 2023.

“However, the duty bearers failed to take satisfactory action to prevent the tragedy from unfolding,” the commission added.

The commission, also known as the Office of Ombudsman, has recommended that the Principal Secretary of State Department for Interior and Coordination of National Administration and the National Police Service Commission hold to account the various duty bearers.

“The Commission further recommends that the PS State Department for Interior, and the Inspector General of Police enhance surveillance, accountability, and coordination among the members of the National Police Service and the National Government Administrative officers,” the report added.

The commission conducted investigations in accordance with Article 59 (4) h of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010, and Sections 8 and 29 of the Commission on Administrative Justice (CAJ) Act, 2011.

It followed recommendations by the Senate Ad Hoc Committee which was formed to investigate the proliferation of religious organisations and the circumstances leading to hundreds of deaths in Shakahola.

The tragedy unfolded with the discovery of neglected and malnourished children, ultimately leading to the unearthing of shallow graves and the rescue of survivors.

The commission asked the Ministry of Interior to take measures to enhance accountability at the subcounty and Divisional Security Intelligence Committees by implementing robust monitoring and evaluation systems to track the implementation and escalation of decisions and hold officers responsible for their actions or inactions.

“Ensure all field officers, including chiefs and their assistants, undergo comprehensive induction training to equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge to fulfil their duties effectively.”

Mackenzie has been charged with murder after more than 400 bodies were found buried in shallow graves in a remote forest in the county.

Survivors and victims' families have said Paul Mackenzie urged followers to fast to "go see Jesus".

He and 29 others pleaded not guilty in a court in the coastal town of Malindi.

by ALLAN KISIA