Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki has declared the entire 800-acre parcel of land that is part of the Shakahola ranch a disturbed area and an operation zone.

This comes as a multi-agency security team upscales the search and rescue mission to save as many lives as possible in the unfolding Shakahola Forest Massacre.

Kindiki made the declaration on Tuesday when he visited the area.

"The entire 800-acre parcel of land that is part of the Shakahola ranch is hereby declared a disturbed area and an operation zone. The multi-agency security team will upscale the search and rescue mission to save as many lives as possible," Kindiki said.

While highlighting the gravity of the matter, Kindiki stated that not only should Mr. Mackenzie be charged with terrorism, but there is also a strong case to be made for charging him and his collaborators with genocide. 

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"Over and above charging Mr Mackenzie with terrorism, I'm convinced that a case can be built for charging him and his collaborators with genocide," the CS said.

Kindiki expressed the government's position on the issue and said the 'rogue' pastor will face the most severe punishment.

“The purported use of the Bible to kill people cannot be tolerated. The government has nothing to hide and will ensure we convict Mackenzie with the most severe punishment available,” he said.

This comes after 7 more bodies were recovered from the parcel of land rising the death toll to 90 by Tuesday.

Last Sunday, Kindiki directed the Regional Commissioner for the Coast Region to work in collaboration with the regional security apparatus to reinforce the team in Malindi ahead of his visit.

"While the Multi-agency security team on site is doing their best to unearth the truth and prevent further loss of lives, I have directed the Regional Commissioner for Coast Region together with the Regional Security Team to reinforce the team in Malindi ahead of my visit on Tuesday," he said.

While noting the state's position on religious freedom, the Interior CS condemned the incidents and called for severed punishment of the perpetrators and the regulation of religious outfits.

"While the State remains respectful of religious freedom, this horrendous blight on our conscience must lead not only to the most severe punishment of the perpetrator(s) of the atrocity on so many innocent souls, but tighter regulation (including self- regulation) of every church, mosque, temple or synagogue going forward," Kindiki said.