President William Ruto has regretted the loss of lives of close to 200 people whose bodies have been exhumed at Shakahola forest in Kilifi County.
Speaking during an engagement with the media on Sunday, May 14, Ruto acknowledged that there was laxity in government that led to the loss of lives in the religious cult.
"I am asking for forgiveness from the people of Kenya following the Shakahola incident. It is evident that there was laxity in our Government that unfortunately resulted in the death of many Kenyans," said Ruto.
He added; "I am not taking it lightly, and I am taking responsibility as the President. This should not have happened, yet we have all our agencies in place in the entire ecosystem."
"I promise that we will get to the bottom of this matter. Criminals and crooks should not take advantage of religion to cause harm to Kenyans."
So far, 201 people have been exhumed from the 800-acre land in Shakahola while 609 are still missing.
The exhumation exercise is set to resume on Tuesday, May 16.
