Cult deaths: State plans fresh exhumations in Kwa Binzaro

Detectives exhume bodies in Shakahola forest, Kilifi county. [File, Standard]

State agencies are preparing for a new round of exhumations of followers of a cult in Malindi’s Kwa Binzaro village, Kilifi County, after the discovery of fresh shallow graves last week.

Kilifi County Criminal Investigations Officer (CCIO), Robert Kiinge, confirmed that the operation will be led by the Homicide Division of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).

On Thursday, homicide and forensic officers met in Malindi and confirmed that the exercise will be headed by Martin Nyuguto, who has completed preparations for the exhumations at Kwa Binzaro, just a few kilometres from the infamous Shakahola Forest.

The operation, set to begin next week, follows the discovery of seven mass graves in the area. 

The Malindi High Court has authorised homicide detectives to exhume the remains for post-mortem examinations, DNA profiling, and toxicological analysis to determine the causes of death.

Detectives have widened their search for suspected graves beyond the original five-acre target after human remains were discovered outside the mapped zone on Monday. 

Kiinge said the remains, including a skull, several bones, ribs, and digits, were found scattered rather than buried. “The detectives were tipped off by members of the public that they had seen scattered body parts. On visiting the area, they discovered three more graves,” he said.

The three newly discovered graves raised the total to seven. Kiinge noted that the graves were so shallow that the bodies, wrapped in polythene bags, could be seen, and vegetables had been planted over them to conceal the evidence.

“We were given 30 days by the court to complete the exercise. We are finalising investigations and working on logistics so that we can assemble the team and begin the exhumations within the stipulated timeframe,” he added.

Eleven people have been named as key suspects under investigation for alleged involvement in organised crime, radicalisation, aiding terrorism, and murder. They include Jairus Otieno Odere, Lilian Akinyi, Kahonzi Katana Karisa, Loice Zawadi, Safari Kenga Nzai, Karisa Gona Fondo, Gona Charo Kalama, Kahindi Kazungu Garama, Thomas Mukonwe, James Kahindi, and Sharleen Temba Anido.

Kiinge said six children belonging to Otieno, one of those rescued, may already be dead. “He and his wife had been reported missing in Siaya County along with their six children,” he said.

Mass grave opposed

Human rights activists have vowed to challenge in court the government’s plan to bury the bodies in a mass grave in Shakahola.

“CS Murkomen has announced that the government has stopped DNA profiling and intends to bury the bodies in a mass grave. We demand that the DNA process continues, as families have already provided samples,” said Mathias Shipeta of Haki Africa.

Walid Sketty of Vocal Africa urged the government to expedite the process so families can receive the remains of their loved ones and find closure. 

Kwa Binzaro village lies within Chakama Ranch, which encompasses the Shakahola area, where more than 400 people starved to death in 2023 under the alleged instructions of Pastor Paul Makenzi, who is now among 31 people charged with murder, child torture, and terrorism.

In April this year, police in Malindi arrested another pastor in the Chakamakama area after the death of a follower at his church premises. Locals fear that although the graves of Shakahola have been closed, the dangerous ideologies that fuelled the tragedy may still be festering in the vast Chakama Ranch.