A Malindi court has authorized the Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI) to exhume bodies believed to have been buried in shallow graves in Binzaro, Kilifi County. The directive aims to determine the causes of death, with authorities suspecting links to cult-like practices similar to the Shakahola starvation cult exposed in March 2023.

According to prosecution counsel Judy Gathungu, preliminary findings suggest some victims may have died from starvation or suffocation, allegedly linked to radical religious ideologies. An affidavit filed by DCI revealed the discovery of multiple suspected shallow graves and raised concerns over missing children reported by rescued survivors.

Resident Magistrate Irene Thamara ordered government pathologists to conduct post-mortem examinations, toxicological analysis, and DNA testing. She further instructed the Malindi and Lango Baya Police Stations to provide security during the exhumation, while the sub-county health officer will oversee safety measures and ensure proper preservation of the remains at Malindi Sub-County Hospital for forensic analysis.

This development comes amid heightened scrutiny of cult-related activities in the region, with investigations continuing into possible links between religious radicalization and the deaths.