Kilifi County, Kenya – Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have discovered seven shallow graves containing human bones and skulls in Kwa Binzaro village, Chakama, as part of an ongoing probe into suspected cult activities. County DCI chief Robert Kiinge said the exhumations were authorised by the Malindi court following reports of mysterious deaths and disappearances in the area.

Police launched the investigation after rescuing four people from a secluded homestead believed to be a site of radical religious indoctrination. The operation also uncovered two skulls and the body of an unidentified man in nearby thickets. Kiinge said a 50‑year‑old man reported missing in Siaya, his wife, and two other women were among those rescued on 22 July. Preliminary assessments suggest that the victims were held under coercive teachings and deprived of food.

Officers arrested a prime suspect and three alleged managers of the compound. The discovery has drawn parallels with the 2023 Shakahola massacre, in which more than 450 bodies were exhumed from land owned by preacher Paul Mackenzie of the Good News International Church. Chakama borders Shakahola forest, and authorities fear that extremist groups may have relocated their operations to nearby villages.

The Ministry of Interior said it is committed to dismantling any remnants of the starvation cult and bringing perpetrators to justice. The government has urged communities to report suspicious gatherings and discouraged individuals from following leaders who promise salvation through starvation or other harmful practices. Lawmakers have proposed stricter regulations for religious organisations and mandatory registration to prevent cults from operating unchecked.

Forensic teams continue to comb the area for more graves as relatives of missing persons flock to Chakama in search of answers. Human rights groups have called for psychological support for survivors and for robust prosecution of those responsible for the abuse. The chilling find has renewed demands for vigilance and accountability in Kenya’s religious sector.