Kwa Binzaro Exhumations: 7 More Bodies and Human Remains Discovered

 

The grim search for victims of suspected cult-related killings in Kilifi County has taken a darker turn after seven more bodies and at least 54 scattered human body parts were recovered in Kwa Binzaro village.

Authorities say the discoveries, made on Thursday, add to the growing tally of bodies exhumed in the past week, bringing the total to 32 exhumed remains since the operation began on August 21.

Government pathologists, homicide detectives, and forensic experts are working around the clock to collect and analyze the remains. According to officials, some of the newly discovered bodies were relatively fresh, raising fears that burials at the site may have occurred recently. Investigators also noted that several body parts appeared to have been disturbed by wild animals.

The Kwa Binzaro site lies barely two kilometers from the infamous Shakahola forest, where more than 400 bodies linked to the Good News International Church cult led by Pastor Paul Mackenzie were exhumed in 2023. Mackenzie and several of his associates are currently facing multiple charges, including murder and terrorism-related offenses.

The chilling nature of the latest findings has sparked alarm among human rights defenders, who warn that the presence of fresh bodies points to possible ongoing killings. They are now urging the government to intensify surveillance in the region and ensure the safety of locals who may hold critical information about the perpetrators.

Investigators are relying on DNA testing to determine whether the newly recovered remains represent additional victims or are linked to those already identified. Meanwhile, the exhumation exercise is set to continue until the area is fully cleared.

As Kilifi residents grapple with fear and grief, the discoveries serve as a painful reminder of the Shakahola massacre and the urgent need for stronger measures to protect vulnerable communities from predatory religious movements.
Reporting by: Babz Abdul Raheem N.
Date: August 29, 2025