Forensic investigators in Kenya have exhumed five bodies from suspected mass graves, raising chilling echoes of the 2023 Shakahola massacre. Kenya’s Homicide Director Martin Nyuguto confirmed the grim findings at the scene in Kwa Binzaro village in Kilifi County.
Government Pathologist Richard Njoroge confirmed the number of bodies, cautioning that the grim exhumation operation was just beginning. Njoroge added that investigators found scattered remains of different body parts lying on the surface in the immediate vicinity.
Out of six exhumed graves, five bodies were found, with 21 more remaining to be excavated by the investigation team. Authorities have appealed to relatives with missing loved ones to help with the difficult identification process in these new suspected cases.
The Red Cross desk at the Malindi District Hospital is collecting personal details and DNA for potential identification of the victims. The exhumations mirror a disturbing pattern from 2023 when more than 400 bodies were uncovered in the Shakahola Forest.
Investigators from that grim case determined that scores of followers, including many children, died of starvation and other injuries. The followers were allegedly told their fasting deaths would bring them closer to heaven by the notorious Pastor Paul Nthenge Mackenzie.