There’s growing fear in Kilifi County after police found two human skulls and a dead body in Kwa Binzaro village, just 26 kilometers from Shakahola Forest.
The area, part of Chakama, is already known for the 2023 Shakahola cult tragedy where hundreds died. Now, it seems something similar could be happening again.
Police say they raided a five-acre compound after members of the public reported suspicious religious activity. During the raid, four people were rescued: a 50-year-old man, his 40-year-old wife, and two women aged 40 and 19. The man had been reported missing in April at the Siaya Police Station.
Shockingly, the couple rescued had already been saved during the 2023 Shakahola cult operation. After being reintegrated back into their community, they later disappeared in March this year along with their six children. The family was found again at the compound in Kilifi.
Police searched the area and found two human skulls and a freshly decomposed body in a nearby thicket. The remains were taken to the Malindi Sub-County Hospital Mortuary for identification and forensic examination.
A man suspected to be the cult leader was arrested. Three other people, believed to be managing the compound, were also taken in. Police also arrested three individuals linked to the sale of the land. That land deal is now being investigated due to concerns over how it was handled.
The rescued people are under protective custody. Police are now seeking court orders to do a full forensic investigation on the compound.
Authorities believe the people were being held under psychological control tied to extreme religious teachings. They haven’t ruled out the possibility of finding more bodies.
By Vivian K.