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Kwa Bi Nzaro cult: State suspends exhumation of bodies at 32 mark
Morticians carry the remains of a person exhumed at Kwa Bi Nzaro village within the vast Chakama Ranch in Kilifi County on August 28, 2025 as part of investigations into a suspected cult.
The government has temporarily suspended the exhumation of bodies linked to a suspected cult at Kwa Bi Nzaro village, Kilifi County, after a week-long operation unearthed 32 bodies and more than 65 body parts from shallow graves.
Coast Regional Coordinator Rhoda Onyancha confirmed that the multi-agency team, comprising pathologists, morticians, homicide detectives and other security officers, had cleared the 27 marked graves suspected to contain human remains.
“We have exhumed 32 bodies and, during the search, the multi-agency team managed to collect over 60 different body parts. I would like to report that we have come to the end of the exhumation today. All the areas that had been identified by the team here have been cleared,” said Ms Onyancha.
She noted that while the exhumation exercise had been finalised, documentation will continue at the site, with officers remaining on the ground to monitor any new findings.
“If, during documentation, we are able to identify any other grave that we may have missed, then we will return and exhume. But for now, all identified areas have been exhausted,” she added.
Morticians carry the remains of a person exhumed at Kwa Binzaro village within the vast Chakama Ranch in Kilifi County on August 28, 2025 as part of investigations into a suspected cult.
Post-mortem, DNA stage
The operation now moves to the post-mortem stage and DNA analysis of exhumed remains.
Authorities have appealed to families with missing relatives to present themselves at Malindi Sub-County Hospital to provide DNA samples that can assist in matching the recovered remains.
“We are still appealing to the public: if they are missing their people, come forward and give DNA samples so that we can match the bodies and body parts...and allow families to bury their loved ones with dignity,” said Ms Onyancha.
She commended the cooperation of the local community in providing intelligence that aided the operation,but also urged continued vigilance.
“I appeal to the community to share information on any new people coming into this ranch so that we avoid another incident like this one. Going forward, we will enhance patrols and intensify intelligence collection,” she said.
Ms Onyancha further warned the public, saying radical teachings were misleading Kenyans into dangerous cult-like practices.
“People are becoming so gullible. This is not the only incident...especially in Kilifi and Kwale where people are preaching things that make others abandon their families or do things that are not right,” she stated.
At least 11 suspects linked to the Kwa Binzaro cult deaths remain in custody as investigations continue. Detectives have been given an additional 21 days to conclude investigations.
