Kilifi County has announced plans to conduct a mass burial for 443 victims of the 2023 Shakahola massacre. The bodies, retrieved from the Shakahola forest and preserved at Malindi Sub-County, will be interred after a 21-day period during which families are given the opportunity to identify and claim the remains.
County Executive Committee Member for Health, Peter Mwarogo, confirmed that the bodies have remained in the county’s custody since the mass graves were first discovered. The deadline for family claims was set for September 21, 2026, marking the end of the identification period.
The Shakahola massacre, which occurred in 2023, resulted in the deaths of hundreds of people. The county’s decision to proceed with the burial reflects efforts to resolve the ongoing issue of unclaimed remains. Families are encouraged to come forward with documentation to claim the bodies.
The mass burial will take place following the 21-day window, ensuring that those who cannot identify their loved ones will still have the opportunity to participate in the final rites. The county has emphasized the importance of respecting the deceased and providing closure to affected families.
