The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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After nearly two years of waiting, families affected by the Shakahola tragedy tied to controversial preacher Paul Mackenzie have finally begun collecting the remains of their loved ones for burial.
On Thursday, heartbroken relatives gathered at the Malindi Mortuary, marking an emotional step toward closure after months of agony. So far, at least 16 bodies have been released to families preparing for burial, while hundreds remain unidentified.
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Among those receiving bodies was George Okaka, who collected the remains of his wife and three of their children — aged 15, 11, and 6. Holding back tears, he said he had spent two years waiting for this painful moment.
“I came in March to provide DNA samples for my wife and five children. Four have now been found — three children and their mother. I’m only making burial plans now,” he said.
Okaka recounted how his wife became involved with Mackenzie’s teachings in 2019 while they lived in Nairobi’s Industrial Area. Despite his efforts to distance her from the sect, she rejoined the group multiple times before finally fleeing with their children to Shakahola in 2023, where they all perished.
“She withdrew the children from school and even refused medical care, saying it was ungodly. She left home with them last year,” he said. Okaka is still waiting for confirmation on the remains of his two youngest children, aged four and eight months.
Three other families also identified their loved ones on Thursday as mortuary staff continued preparing the bodies for transport and burial.
Human rights groups say at least 60 victims have been positively identified so far, while over 300 bodies are still awaiting identification. Families with missing relatives have been urged to come forward for DNA testing to help speed up the process.
“What is ongoing is DNA matching. So far, 60 have been identified, but more than 300 remain,” said activist Walid Sketty.
The release and identification process is expected to continue as more families arrive at the Malindi Mortuary in search of closure.
