By Michelle Ndaga
Police in Kwa Binzaro, Kilifi County, have begun exhuming bodies from shallow graves suspected to be linked to cult-related killings.
The operation follows a Malindi High Court order authorizing homicide detectives, led by DCI’s Martin Nyuguto, to recover and conduct forensic analysis on human remains.
Authorities have so far identified at least 21 graves, with visible bones and skulls found concealed under plants and polythene.
Investigators suspect the deaths may be tied to extremist religious practices similar to the Shakahola mass starvation cult that shocked the country in 2023.
Several suspects are already in custody, facing investigations into organized crime, radicalization, aiding terrorism, and murder.
Police say forensic teams will conduct DNA and toxicology tests to establish the victims’ identities and causes of death. The operation remains ongoing, with more graves expected to be uncovered.
