Homicide detectives have found seven shallow graves and recovered humans bones and skulls at a bushy homestead in Kwa Binzaro village, a few kilometres from the infamous Shakahola forest where more than 400 people were buried after starving to death.

Kilifi County Criminal Investigations Officer (CCIO) Robert Kiinge said the victims could have been died from starvation and suffocation, in what appears to be part of a broader pattern of radicalization and organised criminal activity.

He revealed that the bones were fresh and had ligaments.

Four out of the seven graves were found on the five-acre piece of land that had earlier been the centre of investigations, raising concerns on the magnitude of the tragedy.

“The detectives were tipped off by members of the public that they had seen scattered body parts, and when they visited the area they discovered the graves too. The victims may have been starved and suffocated as a result of adopting and promoting extreme religious ideologies,’’ he said.

The CCIO said the bodies were buried in polythene bags and on top of the grabes some vegetables  had been planted to conceal the evidence.

The High Court in Malindi allowed the homicide detectives to exhume the remains for postmortem examinations, DNA testing, and toxicological analysis to determine the causes of death.

“We were given 30 days by the court to complete the exercise, so we are still finalising the investigations and logistics before embarking on the exhumation within the required time-frame,” said Kiinge.

Eleven individuals have been named as key suspects for their alleged involvement in organised crime, radicalisation, aiding terrorism, and murder.

Those under scrutiny include Jairus Otieno Odere, Lilian Akinyi, Kahonzi Katana Karisa, Loice Zawadi, Safari Kenga Nzai, Karisa Gona Fondo.

Also include Gona Charo Kalama, Kahindi Kazungu Garama, Thomas Mukonwe, James Kahindi, and Sharleen Temba Anido.

Detectives believe that the deaths occurred between March and July 2025. The village is within Chakama Ranch, encompassing Shakahola area, where over 400 people starved to death in 2023.

Kwa Binzaro village falls within the expensive Chakama ranch that also covers Shikahola forest where Pastor Paul Makenzi of Good News international Church allegedly instructed his followers to faster to death to see meet Jesus Christ.

Makenzi, is among 93 people facing charges of murder, child torture, and terrorism following the death of over 400 people inside the Shakahola forest.

In April this year, police in Malindi arrested a pastor in Chakama area after the death of one of his followers at his church premises.

Locals fear that while the graves of Shakahola may have been closed, the ideologies that led to such horror may still be lingering in the vast chakama ranch.