The Malindi High Court on Friday released three men accused of ties to the Kwa Binzaro cult on free bond, even as investigators pressed for more time to build their case.
Resident Magistrate Joy Wesonga ordered the release of Safari Kenga Nzai, Gona Charo Kalama, and Kahindi Kazungu Garama. The three, all from Kwa Binzaro village, were arrested after allegedly selling land to the prime suspect, Sherleen Temba Anido.
Their release came with strict conditions. They must surrender copies of their identity cards, report twice a week to their area assistant chief, and appear before investigators every fortnight. “You will be required to report to your assistant chief’s office at Makongeni every Tuesday and Friday until investigations are concluded. You are further prohibited from contacting witnesses or interfering with the collection of evidence,” Ms Wesonga ruled.
The prosecution, led by Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions Jamie Yamina, took a different approach with four others initially treated as suspects. The court was asked to strike off Jairus Otieno, his wife Lilian Akinyi, Kahonzi Katana Karisa, and Loise Zawadi, and instead admit them as state witnesses.
At the same time, prosecutors sought an additional 60 days to keep four key suspects — Ms Anido, James Kahindi Kazungu, Thomas Mukunwe, and Kahindi Kazungu Garama — in custody. The suspects, held at police stations in Ngerenya, Kilifi, Watamu and Kijipwa, face grave charges: radicalisation, facilitating terrorism, organised crime, and murder.
Investigators told the court that several suspected grave sites had been identified within Kwa Binzaro village but were yet to be exhumed. They also linked some of the accused to the 2023 Shakahola massacre, a tragedy that drew global attention after mass graves were unearthed in Kilifi County.
The case remains highly sensitive. While police say they are racing to secure evidence, families in Kwa Binzaro and beyond are watching closely, fearful of another unfolding tragedy. The court is expected to revisit the matter once fresh findings are presented.
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