Opposition leader Raila Odinga has been denied entry into Shakahola Forest.
The operation commander asked Raila to seek permission from the Inspector General.“I want to access the forest so that I can be able to see the graves, I can’t travel all the way and go back without seeing the scene,” Raila insisted.
The commander however said that the area has been declared a crime scene and allowing him through could interfere with the ongoing investigations.
“No one is allowed in the forest because the [investigation] process is delicate,” said Peter Ndung’u, the senior assistant inspector general of police.Raila was in the company of Malindi MP Amina Mnyazi and Kilifi Woman Representative Gertrude Mbeyu.
President William Ruto has appointed Court of Appeal judge Jessie Lessit to head a commission investigating the Shakahola massacre.
Justice Lessit will chair the Commission of Inquiry, tasked with probing the deaths from the Shakahola tragedy.Members appointed to the commission include Justice Mary Muhanji, Bishop Catherine Mutua, Psychiatrist Dr. Frank Njenga, lawyer Eric Gumbo, Jonathan Lodompui, Dr. Wanyama Musiambu, and Albert Musasia.
Lawyer Kioko Kilukumi has been named the inquiry commission’s lead counsel. He will head the counsel, and work alongside lawyers Oliver Karori and Rachel Maina.Vivian Nyambeki and Bahati Mwamuye will be the assisting counsels.
The Commission will among other things: “Inquire into the matter of the deaths, torture, inhumane and degrading treatment of members and other persons linked to the Good News International Church in Kilifi County.”The Justice Lessit-led commission will also look into the legal, administrative, security, and intelligence lapses that could have led to the Shakahola tragedy, where over one hundred (100) people have died so far after controversial preacher Paul Makenzi instructed them to fast in order to “meet their maker.”