Fresh Graves Discovered Near Site of Shakahola Cult Tragedy

Authorities in Kenya have unearthed fresh graves and human remains near the infamous Shakahola Forest, where more than 400 bodies linked to a doomsday cult were uncovered in 2023. The latest discovery was made in the nearby village of Kwa Binzaro, Kilifi County, further deepening the tragedy’s grim legacy.

During an ongoing exhumation exercise, government pathologist Dr. Richard Njoroge confirmed that investigators found five bodies and ten scattered body parts. These were recovered from suspected gravesites and nearby thickets.

“At the commencement of this exercise, we had identified 27 suspected graves. Today we managed to exhume six. Of those, we found five bodies and ten scattered body parts on the surface,” Dr. Njoroge said. “We have 21 graves remaining, and the exercise will continue.”

Experts Deployed to Scene

The operation is being led by homicide detectives, forensic experts, and government pathologists working in coordination with local authorities. Their goal is to establish the identities of the remains and determine whether they are linked to the Shakahola cult deaths, widely regarded as one of the worst mass killings in Kenya’s history.

Officials say forensic tests will be crucial to confirm whether the new bodies belong to followers of controversial pastor Paul Mackenzie, who is accused of luring his congregation into deadly fasting rituals.

Link to Pastor Paul Mackenzie

Paul Mackenzie, the self-proclaimed preacher at the heart of the Shakahola tragedy, allegedly instructed his followers to starve themselves to death so they could “meet Jesus.”

In 2023, the shocking discovery of over 400 bodies in shallow graves at Shakahola Forest horrified the nation and drew global attention. The incident sparked debates about cults, religious extremism, and regulatory failures in monitoring religious organizations.

Mackenzie has since been arrested, charged with murder, and remains in custody awaiting trial. Authorities believe his influence may extend beyond Shakahola into nearby villages, including Kwa Binzaro.

Call for Responsible Reporting

Kilifi County Commissioner Josephat Biwot has appealed for caution in reporting the findings. Speaking in Swahili, he urged both media houses and residents to avoid sensationalism.

“Please give out the right information. Do not distort it or create unnecessary alarm. Only share the truth of what we’ve found,” Biwot said.

His comments highlight the government’s concerns over misinformation, which has the potential to inflame public fear or spread unverified details about the ongoing investigations.

Ongoing Investigations

The exhumation in Kwa Binzaro is expected to continue in the coming days, with 21 more suspected graves yet to be examined. Forensic experts are also analyzing the body parts found scattered in nearby thickets to determine if they match the unearthed remains or if they represent additional victims.

Investigators are also working to understand whether the new graves were dug during the same period as the Shakahola deaths or if they represent later incidents tied to Mackenzie’s teachings.

Authorities have not ruled out the possibility of uncovering more victims in Kilifi County as the probe expands.

National Shock and Global Attention

The Shakahola tragedy remains one of Kenya’s darkest chapters, with parallels drawn to other cult-related mass deaths around the world. Human rights groups and religious leaders have called for stronger oversight of unregistered churches and religious movements, warning that vulnerable populations can be easily manipulated.

For many Kenyans, the discovery of fresh graves two years later has reopened wounds, serving as a painful reminder of the lives lost to blind faith and manipulation.

About The Author