Due to severe weather, the government has halted the exhumation of bodies at Shakahola Forest in Kilifi County.

Prof. Kithure Kindiki, Interior Cabinet Secretary, announced on Friday after inspecting where more than 100 bodies thought to be followers of controversial pastor Paul Mackenzie had been discovered.

He explained that Experts had advised them that the procedure for performing exhumations for judicial and court processes is susceptible and that The ground must be dry to a certain level so that the exhumations can occur without interfering with the evidence or further damaging the bodies.

PHOTO | COURTESY recovered bodies

Adding that they have suspended the exhumations and will resume as soon as it dries up a little bit

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The Interior CS also commented on why press members and human rights organizations have been prohibited from entering the site and watching the exhumation process.

He explained that The process of exhuming the bodies is court-ordered; specific ethical and professional standards do, so they cannot allow everyone to participate in the exhumation or take photographs.

"Such images are even prohibited by international law because they constitute heinous violations of human duty." Because these are the bodies of people's loved ones and kin, there is a limit to what security agents can do."

He said that the state also restricts the movement of law enforcement officers who have access to the premises. 

The cult leader, pastor Mackenzie, has been in police custody since his arrest. His final words to the crowd were chilling during his appearance at the Malindi courts last week.

"Mnachopigana nacho hamkijui," says Mnachopigana. Kitawaramba na kitawaramba. Kitawaramba, Nimewaambia." These were the final words of Mr Paul Mackenzie, leader of the Good Life International Church.

His ominous comments in Kiswahili are translated as follows: "You have no idea the magnitude of what you are fighting." You'll have to deal with the consequences soon."