Kenyan Cult Horror: Five New Bodies Found Near Shakahola

Kenyan investigators have exhumed five bodies from fresh graves near Shakahola Forest, reigniting fears of ongoing cult activity. The discovery was made in Kwa Binzaro village, Kilifi County, about two kilometres from the original Shakahola site.

The latest graves were uncovered in August 2025 after a Malindi court authorised new exhumations. Detectives also found scattered human body parts near the graves, suggesting the possibility of more victims.

Fresh Graves Revive Fears of Cult Activity

The discovery recalls the 2023 Shakahola Forest massacre, where more than 400 people died after allegedly starving themselves under the influence of self-proclaimed pastor Paul Mackenzie.

Authorities believe some of the newly discovered bodies may have been buried as recently as a few weeks ago. Others appeared decomposed, pointing to burials done months earlier.

Government pathologist Dr Richard Njoroge confirmed the bodies are being examined, and DNA samples are being collected at Malindi District Hospital to help families trace missing relatives.

Investigators Map 27 Burial Spots, Search Intensifies

Police have now identified 27 suspected gravesites in the Kwa Binzaro area. Human rights activist Hussein Khalid, who witnessed the operation, said one site appeared disturbed, with children’s and women’s clothing left behind but no bodies inside.

This has raised suspicions that some remains may have been secretly removed before the exhumations.

So far, 11 individuals linked to Mackenzie’s followers are under investigation. None has been charged, but prosecutors suspect they were involved in concealing deaths or assisting burials.

The operation shows that cult-related deaths may still be happening despite Pastor Mackenzie’s arrest in 2023. At that time, he denied manslaughter charges and remains in custody, though activists claim he still communicates with followers.

Detectives expect to find more graves as the search widens. Authorities have urged families with missing relatives to report to the Red Cross desk in Malindi for DNA registration.