March 18, 2024

Families of Shakahola Cult Massacre – After almost a year of anguish and uncertainty, the families of over 400 victims of the Shakahola cult massacre will finally receive the bodies of their loved ones today. This follows the release of DNA results by pathologists in February, allowing families to bury their kin and find closure amidst the tragedy. Led by government pathologist Dr. Johansen Oduor, the painstaking process of postmortem examinations has been crucial in identifying the victims and providing much-needed answers to grieving families. However, Dr. Oduor highlighted significant challenges faced during the identification process, including some family members’ reluctance to cooperate due to the stigma associated with the cause of death linked to cultism. This reluctance has unfortunately slowed down the identification process, prolonging the agony for many families. Pastor Paul Mackenzie As efforts to bring closure to the families continue, investigations into the heinous crimes committed by the cult remain ongoing. The main suspect, Pastor Paul Mackenzie, along with his 95 co-accused, remains detained as authorities intensify their probe. The charges they face in court, including engaging in organized criminal activity, radicalization, and facilitating terrorist acts, underscore the severity of their alleged crimes under the Prevention of Terrorism Act, 2012, and the Prevention of Organized Crimes Act, 2010. The extent of the tragedy perpetrated by the Shakahola cult is staggering, with more than 425 confirmed deaths and over 600 people still reported missing. The cult’s activities came under intense scrutiny in 2023 following the deaths of two children under their parents’ care, after Mackenzie instructed his followers to starve themselves to “meet Jesus.” Shocking revelations emerged, detailing how members of Mackenzie’s Good News International church were coerced into starving themselves to death, highlighting the manipulative and dangerous nature of the cult’s practices. The Investigation Mackenzie’s arrest in April 2023 marked a pivotal moment in the investigation, signaling a decisive step towards accountability for those responsible for perpetrating such atrocities. Since then, he has remained in police custody, awaiting justice for the lives lost and the families torn apart by his actions. As the families of the Shakahola cult massacre victims prepare to lay their loved ones to rest, their journey towards healing and closure is far from over. While the return of their beloved’s remains provides a semblance of solace, the scars left by this tragedy run deep, and the quest for justice continues. It is imperative that authorities pursue all avenues to ensure that those responsible are held accountable to the fullest extent of the law, and that measures are put in place to prevent such horrors from ever happening again. Affected Families In the face of unspeakable loss and unimaginable pain, the resilience and unity of the affected families serve as a testament to the human spirit’s capacity to endure. Lastly, as they gather to bid farewell to their loved ones, may they find comfort in each other’s embrace and strength in the pursuit of justice and healing. Contact TrendBlend Hub Website:  – Click HereWhatsApp | Call: +254 743 149 267 | + 254 738 352 258Email Address: info@trendblend.co.ke | sales@trendblend.co.keFollow our IG: @TrendBlendHubKe