Kenyan authorities disregarded “credible reports” concerning a doomsday cult, where over 400 members were found buried in shallow graves, as stated by a state-funded human rights watchdog.
Last year, the bodies of 429 individuals, including children, were uncovered in Shakahola, a forest near Malindi.
Survivors and families of victims claimed that cult leader Paul Mackenzie encouraged fasting among his followers to “go see Jesus.”
In its report, The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) condemned security officers in Malindi for “gross abdication of duty and negligence” preceding the fatalities.
KNCHR chairwoman Roseline Odede stated, “They not only failed to be proactive in gathering and acting on intelligence to prevent the Shakahola massacre but also unjustifiably neglected to act on credible and actionable reports.”
According to the report, justice officials deliberated radicalization linked to Mr. Mackenzie in 2019 but refrained from taking action.
The rights group further noted that a former cult member faced accusations of making unfounded claims when attempting to raise the alarm.
Mr. Mackenzie refuted any responsibility for the deaths. He, along with numerous followers, is presently facing trial for various charges, including terrorism, murder, and torture.
On Wednesday, the Kenyan government announced plans to release some victims’ bodies to their families next week.