Kilifi County has announced plans to conduct a mass burial for 443 victims of the 2023 Shakahola massacre after a 21-day period for family identification. The county executive committee member for health, Peter Mwarogo, confirmed that the bodies have been in the county's custody since they were recovered from the Shakahola forest. The deadline for families to identify and collect remains was set for September 21, 2026.
The bodies, preserved at Malindi Sub-County, were retrieved from the site of the massacre, which occurred in 2023. The county has been working to support families in locating and claiming the remains. If no relatives come forward, the bodies will be interred in a mass burial. The process aims to provide closure to affected families while ensuring proper handling of the remains.
The announcement follows ongoing efforts to address the aftermath of the Shakahola incident. Local authorities have emphasized the importance of respecting the rights of families while managing the logistical challenges of the burial process. The mass burial is expected to take place after the identification period concludes.
