Court approves exhumation of bodies in Malindi cult-like deaths

The DCI made the request for exhumation of the bodies to find out how the deceased persons died.

The approval comes after reports that several individuals were killed by starvation, an incident linked to a possible radicalization or a cult-like activity. The circumstances are reported to be similar to the Shakahola starvation cult discovered in March 2023 where several followers of Paul Mackenzie’s teachings were made to starve to death so as “to meet Jesus”.

According to the prosecution’s counsel Judy Gathungu, aside from starvation, the deceased individuals are said to have been suffocated as well. 

In a sworn affidavit that they filed, DCI further mentioned that preliminary investigations led to the finding that adoption and promotion of religious ideologies are what might have initiated the suffocation and starvation. 

“Our preliminary inquiries have so far established the existence of several suspected shallow graves where bodies were concealed,” read part of the affidavit by a DCI investigator.

Further notes of the affidavit also mentioned suspicions of foul play as a result of rescued survivors not being able to account for the whereabouts of several children.

The court’s resident magistrate, Irene Thamara gave the orders, specifically instructing the Government Pathologies to carry out the exhumation to enable post-mortem examinations, toxicologic analysis and DNA testing to determine the cause of deaths.

Aside from authorizing the exhumation, Justice Thamara directed that the OCS of Malindi Police Station and Lango Baya Police Station to ensure that adequate security is provided during the exhumation process. 

She further directed the sub-county’s health officer to oversee health and safety measures during the exhumation and to ensure the bodies are preserved and stored at the Malindi Sub-County Hospital for forensic analysis.