The excavation involved marking parameters around a grave and digging up the soil progressively and slowly to a level where the soil was looser. Utmost care was then applied by removing soil on top and around the body until the body was pedestalled.
“We tried to be as scientific as possible because we know when you exhume you need to preserve the body as much as possible so that first of all you can ensure that no evidence is lost,” he said.
Through DNA profiling, a total of 66 victims were positively identified.
In the aftermath of the Shakahola tragedy, the Government Chemist played a key role in identifying the victims. As of January 2024, their meticulous work led to the positive identification of 40 victims, bringing some measure of closure to grieving families.
“The DNA testing was essential, especially given the advanced decomposition of many bodies, ” PS Omollo said.
The government has also said that all regulatory measures will be put in place to deter a similar incident in future.
In May last year, President Ruto instituted a 17-member taskforce to review legal and regulatory frameworks governing religious organisations, and identify gaps that have allowed extremist religious organisations to set up shop in Kenya. The taskforce presented its findings on July 30 this year.
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