Azimio la Umoja Leader Raila Odinga, on Friday, May 5, was denied entry at Shakahola Forest, where more than 110 bodies were exhumed.
Raila, who arrived in Kilifi County to visit the mass graves linked to cultic pastor Paul Mackenzie, was warmly received by senior police officers.
However, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party Leader was barred from accessing the crime scene, with a senior police officer explaining that he was not authorised to let them in.
"We received a directive from the Inspector General of the Police, Japhet Koome, not to allow anyone to the scene of a crime where the bodies were buried.
"There is an ongoing operation which we are here to protect," A senior police officer at Shakahola Forest told Raila as the former Prime Minister struggled to explain his visit.
Raila and a group of local leaders, including Kilifi County Woman Rep, Gertrude Mbeyu and Magarini MP, Harry Kombe, clarified that they would not interfere with the ongoing investigation.
The officers, nonetheless, maintained that allowing Raila and his team to access the forest would amount to insubordination.
"Who do you answer to? Kindly explain so the right honourable Prime Minister can understand how to access the forest. Do we need court orders," a local leader asked.
"Afande... afande (officer). Listen to us..." Raila added.
"Should we leave this place and go back home? Should we board our vehicles and leave... We will not. We will not!" another Azimio allied leader countered.
Raila's visit came barely a week after he castigated President William Ruto for not issuing requisite directives to protect Kenyans from religious extremists.
On Monday, May 01, 2023, Raila warned President Ruto to tread cautiously while forming a judicial commission to investigate the massacre.
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party Leader argued that Ruto did not have the power to authorise a judicial inquiry. According to Raila, Parliament was mandated to form the commission with the Judicial Service Commission's (JSC) advice.
“Only Parliament can establish a subordinate court or a tribunal through an Act of Parliament. Only Parliament can determine the jurisdiction of a court or independent tribunal,” Raila quoted the Constitution while criticising Ruto.
On Friday, May 5, 2023, President William Ruto appointed a Commission of Inquiry to investigate the circumstances behind the Shakahola Massacre.
President Ruto appointed Lady Justice Jessie Lessit as the commission's chairperson, with Lady Justice (Rtd.) Mary Muhanji Kasango, Eric Gumbo, Bishop Catherine Mutua, Jonathan Lodompui (Dr.), Frank Njenga (Dr.), Wanyama Musiambu and Albert Musasia as members.
Oliver Kipchumba Karori and Rachel Maina joined the commission as Joint Secretaries, while lawyer Kioko Kilukumi was appointed the Lead Counsel.
