President Ruto Appoints Committee To Unravel Truth Behind Shakahola Tragedy
President William Ruto through a gazette notice has on Friday 5th appointed a task force committee comprising of law experts, human rights activists, ground citizens and clergies to probe into Shakahola massacre tale -tell that has led into exhumation of over 110 people around Shakahola, in Kilifi County.
The task force led by two teams; commission team and state actors team, has been given a period of six months to probe into the rise, existence and end of inhumane religious activities in the country.
“In exercise of the prerogative vested in the Head of State and Government, I, William Samoei Ruto, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces, do appoint a Presidential Task Force on the Review of the Legal and Regulatory Framework Governing Religious Organizations in Kenya” reads Ruto’s statement.
Hon. (Rev.) Mutava Musyimi was appointed Chairperson of the state actors committee leading a team of 14 members; Bishop Mark Kariuki, Bishop (Dr.) Eli Rop, Archbishop Maurice Muhatia, Judy Thongori, Rev (Dr.) Alphonse Kanga, Bishop Philip Kitoto, Faridun Abdalla (Dr.), Prof. Musili Wambua, Joseph Khalende Wabwire, Mary Awuor Kitegi, Charles Kanjama, Leah Kasera, Nancy Murega and Wilson Wanyanga.
The joint secretaries on the other hand is comprised of two; Martin Ndiwa Talian and Maria Goretti Nyariki who shall probe into the society legal investigation as members of the public to give report to the state.
In addition, a commission of legal justice and review led by Hon. Lady Justice Jessie W. Lesiit as Chairperson; is comprised of 7 members; and is mandated to inquire into the Shakahola Tragedy is as follows;
Lady Justice (Rtd.) Mary Muhanji Kasango, Eric Gumbo, Bishop Catherine Mutua, Jonathan Lodompui (Dr.), Frank Njenga (Dr.), Wanyama Musiambu, Albert Musasia; Joint Secretaries; Oliver Kipchumba Karori and Rachel Maina as the Lead Counsel led by Kioko Kilukumi in assistance of the Assisting Counsel: Vivian Janet Nyambeki and Bahati Mwamuye.
In discharge of its functions, the Commission is entitled to note views from members of the public, oral or written statements from any person bearing relevant information or use of official reports of previous investigations.
The mandate of the commission of inquiry will be to investigate into the deaths, torture, and inhumane treatments of members and other persons linked to the Good News International Church in Kilifi County.
In addition, the commission will recommend specific actions to be taken, process and regulations of the inhumane doctrines and religious cultures.
The commission will also probe into factors that led to the rise of that particular religious extremist institution and recommend and a legal, administrative form of accountability as an action against any public official or person found willingly or negligently contributing to the occurrence of such like a tragedy.
Days back, Communication Authority of Kenya (CAK) suspended the working of Times Tv linked to Good News International Church pastor, Paul Mackenzie as early this week; Pastor Ezekiel ‘s Evangelism Tv’s suspension ceased.
Now, Paul Mackenzie, controversial preacher linked to Shakahola massacre is police custody as the government tighten the robe in probing into his case.
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