Police Reveal Missing Body Parts in Shakahola Victims

A photo collage of Paul Mackenzie speaking during an interview on March 24, 2023 (left) and police officers digging graves at the Shakahola Forest on April 24, 2023 (right).
A photo collage of Paul Mackenzie speaking during an interview on March 24, 2023 (left) and police officers digging graves at the Shakahola Forest on April 24, 2023 (right).
Photo
National Police Service

A police officer attached to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations Headquarters, Financial Investigation Unit in Nairobi, revealed that some of the victims exhumed from Shakahola forest had missing body organs. 

In a supporting affidavit by Chief Inspector Martin Munene, the officer noted that the preliminary reports indicated that the trade of human body organs was a well-coordinated plot involving several players. 

He suspected that more bodies were still buried in the expansive land covering more than 1,000 acres. 

The officer noted that until the search and rescue mission was completed, the number of deaths could not be ascertained.
 

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga touring Pastor Ezekiel Odero's home in Kilifi County alongside the televangelist, lawyer Cliff Ombeta and other Azimio politicians on May 6, 2023.
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga touring Pastor Ezekiel Odero's home in Kilifi County alongside the televangelist, lawyer Cliff Ombeta and other Azimio politicians on May 6, 2023.
Photo
Cliff Ombeta

"The process of identifying some of the bodies of the victims discovered buried in Shakahola through  DNA profiling is still being done since post mortem process has not been completed," read part of the affidavit.

The officer also accused Pastor Ezekiel Odero of New Life Prayer Centre and Church of receiving huge cash transactions believed to be proceeds of illicit cash from victims who were radicalised to sell their properties. 

He suspected the 16 bank accounts associated with the pastor - noting that they were linked to Ezekiel's multiple investments.

The news came as DCI officers were granted access to Pastor Ezekiel's 16 bank accounts. Chief Inspector Munene sought the court to probe the accounts belonging to Pastor Ezekiel over what he termed as illegal transactions.

"It is necessary and desirable to issue the applicant with a warrant to investigate books of bank and mobile money services accounts so as to authorize the officer to have access to books relating to several account numbers," read part of the ruling.

The court also requested the bank managers to to freeze the accounts for a period of thirty days to allow the detectives to review and obtain evidence. 

The pastor was also barred from withdrawing or conducting any form of transaction until the conclusion of the investigations. 

"Whereas it has been proven to this Honourable Court on oath that for the purpose of investigation into the commission of offences Money Laundering Contrary to Section 3, 4 and 7 of POCAMLA Act No. 9 of 2009, it is necessary and desirable to issue the Applicant with a warrant to investigate books of bank and mobile money services accounts," read part of the court ruling.

Locals assisting police in digging graves at the Shakahola Forest on April 24, 2023.
Locals assisting police in digging graves at the Shakahola Forest on April 24, 2023.
Photo
National Police Service
  • . . . . .