Naema Celestine 
By Wanjala Derrick
Seven bodies have been found by detectives and forensic specialists from the DCI Homicide Unit since the fifth stage of the Shakahola exhumation began on Monday.
The current death toll stands at 436.
The controversial pastor Paul Mackenzie’s homestead in Shakahola Forest, Kilifi County, is located on the south side of Kwa Mugambi region. Four graves containing seven skeleton remains were excavated.
50 mass graves have been found, according to Chief Government Pathologist Dr. Johansen Oduor, who made the announcement during a press conference at the command center.
The exhumation was put on hold in December 2023 so that doctors could perform DNA testing on the bodies, and it was restarted on June 3, 2024.
Using the global positioning system (GPS), the positively recognized graves are located during the fifth phase of exhumation.
Subsequent investigators found a cemetery close to Mackenzie’s homestead that they assumed to be that of his daughter.
After being directed to the burial place by a neighbor, detectives uncovered the disturbing find.
The operation’s team has been hampered by the wild animals that stray into Shakahola.
A group that had gone into the jungle to conduct surveillance last week narrowly avoided dying after coming into contact with elephants. The vehicle they were driving had damage.
The Langobaya Police Station received a report about the event.
The state has given the families of 32 of the 34 bodies that have been positively identified.
The two surviving remains belong to siblings, and before their families are given permission to bury them, a second DNA test is necessary to confirm their identities.
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Rhoda Onyancha, the Coast Regional Commissioner, earlier stated that 610 individuals had been reported missing to the tracing center.
Kithure Kindiki, the Interior Cabinet Secretary, declared that Shakahola will be the burial place for the unclaimed bodies.
According to Prof. Kindiki, the state is required to take custody of 4,000 acres of the Chakama ranch, which will be used as the last resting place for victims whose families are unable to claim.
