KILIFI – Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have discovered graves in Kwa Binzaro village, Kilifi County, in what investigators believe to be another case linked to cult-related deaths. The homicide unit, led by Martin Nyuguto, began a targeted search earlier this week following reports of missing persons and strange activities in the area. The team has cordoned off multiple sites in the forest and surrounding homesteads, where shallow graves have been spotted.
“Forensic teams are being mobilized to conduct detailed exhumations,” said Nyuguto during a briefing in the village. “These are active crime scenes, and we will secure them round-the-clock until we get clarity on what happened here.” So far, officers have recovered one decomposed body and two human skulls. The remains were found in isolated locations within the forest and inside abandoned homes. Investigators believe the deaths may be linked to cult activity, though no official conclusion has been made.
DCI officers in full forensic gear have mapped out the suspected grave sites and are documenting every piece of evidence. The search is expected to continue into next week as authorities work to determine the total number of victims and identify the individuals behind the suspected cult operations.
The investigation has triggered anxiety among locals, many of whom fear a repeat of the 2023 Shakahola massacre. That incident led to the discovery of more than 400 bodies of followers of controversial preacher Paul Mackenzie, who is currently facing charges in connection to mass deaths.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen rejected claims that national intelligence had failed to detect the activity earlier. “There was no failure in intelligence gathering,” CS Murkomen said in Baringo. “We are acting decisively to prevent further loss of life and ensure anyone responsible is brought to justice.”
Security personnel have increased patrols in the area, while community leaders have been urged to cooperate with investigators and report any suspicious behavior linked to cult practices.
Authorities have not confirmed how many people may be buried at the Kwa Binzaro site, nor whether the recovered remains are recent. Forensic specialists are expected to carry out postmortems and DNA tests once exhumations begin.
The homicide unit is working with local administrators and tracing reports of disappearances between March and July 2025. Nyuguto indicated that the goal is to “establish an accurate timeline and identify all possible victims.”
As the DCI builds its case, attention has turned to whether this incident reflects a broader failure in monitoring fringe religious groups. Human rights organizations have demanded swift action and protection for vulnerable populations in remote regions like Kilifi.
The investigation remains ongoing.
About the Author
