Four More Bodies Exhumed in Kwa Binzaro Kilifi as Suspected Cult Death Toll Rises to 13

Authorities in Kilifi County have unearthed four more bodies from shallow graves in Kwa Binzaro village. This brings the confirmed death toll in the latest suspected cult incident to 13 victims.

During Monday’s operation, investigators also recovered eight additional body parts, raising the total number of remains to 18.

Four More Bodies Exhumed in Kwa Binzaro Kilifi as Suspected Cult Death Toll Rises to 13

Grim Discovery Near Shakahola Forest

The bodies were discovered in thickets bordering the Shakahola forest. This area gained global attention in 2023 following the Shakahola massacre, linked to cult leader Paul Mackenzie.

A multi-agency team led by Coast Regional Commissioner Rhoda Onyancha is spearheading the latest operation.

Kwa Binzaro Suspects Arrested

So far, 11 suspects have been arrested, including a woman believed to be the key figure behind the cult activities.

“We have arrested the main culprit—the lady who was operating here—and 10 other suspects. Investigations are ongoing, and we want to establish who sold this land to her, because this is part of Chakama Ranch,” said Commissioner Onyancha.

Survivors Returning to Danger

Authorities believe some victims may have been former survivors of the Shakahola cult. Preliminary reports suggest that after being rescued, several returned to the forest due to rejection by their families or communities.

“Some of them were not fully accepted by their families or communities. That made them come back to this area—although not to the exact spot as the earlier incident, but further inside,” Onyancha explained.

This raises fresh concerns about reintegration programs and the effectiveness of government follow-ups on cult survivors.

Fear Among Residents

Local activists have warned that fear among residents is slowing down investigations.

“We’ve spoken to many locals, and they’re afraid to speak up. Some feel that those who share information with the government end up being treated as suspects themselves,” said activist Walid Sketty.

What’s Next?

The DCI Homicide Unit has already mapped out 27 suspected graves in the area. The exhumation exercise will continue on Tuesday as authorities work to uncover the full scale of the suspected cult’s operations.