Kenyan police arrest eleven individuals in connection with discovered mass graves

(MENAFN) Kenyan police have arrested eleven individuals in connection with recently discovered mass graves in Kilifi County, where investigators have so far exhumed 34 bodies. Authorities say the case indicates a possible resurgence of the cult tied to the 2023 Shakahola tragedy. Police chief Douglas Kanja noted that four of the detainees are central to the ongoing investigation.

“Thirty-two bodies have so far been exhumed, and two other bodies were also recovered here in this area, making a total of 34 bodies. 102 body parts have been recovered,” Kanja said. “We have sent our best team of investigators, and very soon, we will come up with a complete investigation file.”

Many victims were reportedly brought in from outside the area, radicalized, and ultimately killed. Kwa Binzaro, a village about 30km from Shakahola, has become the focus of ongoing forensic work.

In 2023, over 430 bodies were recovered from mass graves in Shakahola forest, most having died from starvation, while some—including children—were beaten or strangled. Paul Mackenzie, self-proclaimed pastor and leader of the Good News International Church, has been charged with terrorism, murder, manslaughter, kidnapping, and child cruelty. He was arrested in April 2023 after police rescued 15 emaciated followers.

In July, a Malindi court authorized continued exhumations in Kwa Binzaro, and preliminary forensic results indicate the victims there also died from starvation or suffocation.

MENAFN08092025000045017281ID1110031603