Workers carry a body bag to the mortuary after exhuming bodies at the mass-grave site in Shakahola, Kilifi County on April 25, 2023.
By Edward Lyomu | Mulembe Times | July 26, 2025
KILIFI — The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has unearthed more graves and recovered human remains in a compound believed to be linked to a suspected religious cult in Kwa Binzaro, Chakama area of Kilifi County. This discovery reignites chilling memories of the 2023 Shakahola massacre that shocked the nation and the world.
The latest operation, conducted between July 22 and 23, was prompted by reports of missing persons and intelligence on radical religious gatherings at a five-acre homestead just a few kilometres from Shakahola Forest. The area had already gained notoriety for the mass deaths associated with self-proclaimed pastor Paul Mackenzie and his Good News International Ministries cult, which encouraged followers to fast to death.
In the Kwa Binzaro compound, detectives found two human skulls and a freshly buried adult body in a nearby thicket. Authorities believe these may not be the only remains at the site and have applied for court orders to conduct a full forensic excavation of the area.
The raid also led to the dramatic rescue of four individuals — a 50-year-old man, his 40-year-old wife, and two female relatives aged 40 and 19 — who had been missing from Siaya County since April 15, 2025. Investigators say they were lured to the compound under religious pretenses and likely held against their will.
“We have strong indications of a radical religious influence at play here,” said one senior officer involved in the operation. “The rescued individuals were found in conditions suggesting psychological and spiritual manipulation.”
The operation has so far resulted in the arrest of seven suspects. The key suspect, believed to be the cult leader, was taken into custody alongside three individuals who served as operational managers of the compound. Additionally, three others connected to the sale of the land to the suspect are also being held as investigations continue.
The DCI is now examining the land’s transaction history, ownership documentation, and any links to previously known cult activities in the region. Authorities believe the suspects may have attempted to revive cult-like activities in a different location to avoid detection after the Shakahola incident.
Despite the proximity of Kwa Binzaro to Shakahola, controversial preacher Paul Mackenzie — who has been in custody since March 2023 — has denied any involvement in the latest events. His lawyer argued that Mackenzie cannot be linked to the case while imprisoned.
“My client has been in custody and under strict surveillance for over two years,” the lawyer said in a statement. “It is absurd to suggest that he has anything to do with the happenings in Kwa Binzaro.”
Kilifi County continues to face scrutiny over its failure to monitor and regulate unregistered religious groups operating in remote parts of the region. Human rights activists have called for urgent reforms and community sensitization to prevent further tragedies.
“We are alarmed that another cult-related crisis has emerged so close to the Shakahola site,” said Mary Achieng, a local human rights advocate. “This shows that the root causes of radicalization and religious extremism remain largely unaddressed.”
The DCI has pledged a thorough investigation and promised to bring all those responsible to justice. Meanwhile, the rescued family is undergoing medical and psychological evaluations at a government facility as they begin the long road to recovery.
As Kenya continues to grapple with the consequences of religious extremism and poor oversight of spiritual organizations, the Kwa Binzaro incident serves as a grim reminder of the urgent need for vigilance, regulation, and community education.
