Kilifi Cult Deaths Probe
A court in Malindi has given the green light for the Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI) to dig up bodies that are said to have been buried in shallow graves in the Binzaro area of Kilifi County. The DCI requested this exhumation to uncover the truth behind the deaths of these individuals.
This approval follows alarming reports that several people may have died from starvation, a situation that could be tied to potential radicalization or cult-like activities.
The details surrounding these deaths bear a striking resemblance to the Shakahola starvation cult that was uncovered in March 2023, where numerous followers of Paul Mackenzie were led to starve themselves in a misguided belief that it would bring them closer to Jesus.
According to Judy Gathungu, the prosecution’s counsel, the deceased individuals reportedly faced not just starvation but also suffocation.
In a sworn affidavit submitted by the DCI, it was revealed that initial investigations suggested that the adoption and promotion of certain religious ideologies may have played a role in the suffocation and starvation.
“Our preliminary inquiries have so far established the existence of several suspected shallow graves where bodies were concealed,” read part of the affidavit by a DCI investigator.
The affidavit also raised concerns about possible foul play, particularly since the rescued survivors couldn’t explain what happened to several children.
Irene Thamara, the court’s resident magistrate, issued orders for the Government Pathologies to conduct exhumations. This was necessary for post-mortem examinations, toxicology tests, and DNA analysis to uncover the causes of death.
In addition to approving the exhumation, Justice Thamara instructed the Officer Commanding Station (OCS) of both the Malindi and Lango Baya Police Stations to ensure that proper security measures are in place during the exhumation.
She also tasked the sub-county health officer with overseeing health and safety protocols throughout the exhumation process, ensuring that the bodies are properly preserved and stored at the Malindi Sub-County Hospital for forensic analysis.
Kilifi Cult Deaths Probe
