A court in Malindi has authorised the exhumation of bodies suspected to be buried in shallow graves in the Binzaro area, Makongeni Sub-location, as authorities intensify investigations into a suspected mass murder linked to radical religious practices.
Resident Magistrate Irene Thamara granted the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) permission to carry out the exhumation following disturbing revelations that multiple individuals may have died through starvation and suffocation.
The exhumation will be led by the Chief Government Pathologist and will involve postmortem examinations, DNA profiling, and toxicological tests to determine the causes of death.
According to the prosecution, the suspected deaths are believed to be part of a broader pattern of radicalization, organized crime, and terrorism with preliminary investigations pointing to the deliberate killing of victims under the guise of religious indoctrination.
Eleven suspects, Jairus Otieno Odere, Lilian Akinyi, Kahonzi Katana Karisa, Loice Zawadi, Safari Kenga Nzai, Karisa Gona Fondo, Gona Charo Kalama, Kahindi Kazungu Garama, Thomas Mukonwe, James Kahindi, and Sharleen Temba Anido are under investigation for their alleged role in the deaths and for offences including radicalisation, facilitation of terrorism, and murder.
An affidavit filed by the DCI indicates that survivors rescued from the area could not account for the whereabouts of several children, raising suspicions of foul play.
Investigators believe the bodies were deliberately concealed in what appears to be an organised operation.
“Our preliminary inquiries have so far established the existence of several suspected shallow graves where bodies were concealed,” read part of the affidavit.
The court further directed the Officer Commanding Malindi Police Division and the Officer Commanding Lango Baya Police Station to ensure security is maintained throughout the exhumation process.
Malindi Public Health Officer has also been instructed to oversee the health and safety aspects of the operation and ensure the recovered bodies are preserved at Malindi Sub-County Hospital for forensic analysis.
