By Enyichukwu Enemanna
Kenyan President, William Ruto on Sunday tendered apologies for the negligence that led to the death of over 200 cult church followers in Shakahola Kilifi County.
In a joint media interview with six media organizations including the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation, President Ruto blamed negligence by relevant authorities in Shakahola Kilifi County for failing to detect the deaths and burial of over 200 people until it was too late.
The President assured that those found guilty upon the conclusion of investigation will be held responsible.
“As the President, Shakahola should not have happened. For that I truly say I’m sorry,” he said.
Ruto also admitted that there was laxity from the government side.
“It is evident that there was laxity in our Government that unfortunately resulted in the death of many Kenyans. I am not taking it lightly,” he said.
The President said that government will give an account of the massacre.
“Intelligence, Criminal Investigation Department and chief etc. We will get to the bottom of this matter,” Ruto said.
Earlier, the President said that he will do everything in his power to prevent another Shakahola incident.
“We are going to work together with the church and religious organizations to prevent anything like this from happening again in the Republic of Kenya,” he said.
The President said it is unacceptable that over 200 people lost their lives at a place they went to seek spiritual knowledge and guidance.
Ruto has set up a 17-member task force to review legal and regulatory frameworks governing religious institutions in Kenya.
