The 66 suspects linked to the Shakahola massacre will be detained for another 130 days.

The Shanzu Law Court on Friday, December 22 heard that unravelling the mystery as to what led to the loss of lives in Shakahola forest, Kilifi County, is complex.

While extending the detention period for the suspects, Senior Principal Magistrate Joe Omido noted that conducting DNA on 429 bodies, with 360 of the bodies severely decomposed, requires time and resources.

The Office of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (ODPP), through Jami Yamina, had applied for 180 days.

The court also agreed with the prosecution that the suspects pose a flight risk due to the magnitude of crimes facing them and are likely to interferer with potential witnesses.

Shakhola suspects’ flight risk

Magistrate Omido also ruled that if released, the suspects’ own safety would be at risk given that some had left their homes with children, who are now missing and presumed dead in the Shakahola massacre.

They will be detained at Shimo La Tewa and Malindi GK Prisons for the 130 days – which are to be counted from 11th Sept. 2023 when the application for extension was made by the prosecution.

The matter will be mentioned on 18th January, 2024 for Prosecution to give status of the investigations being conducted by the DCI, which will then determine the date for plea taking.