Kilifi, Kenya:  Kenyan authorities have recovered five bodies from shallow graves in Kilifi County, in an area near the village of Kwa Binzaro, amid investigations into suspected cult activities. The discovery comes as part of an ongoing probe into religious extremism in the region.

The graves were located near the Shakahola Forest, the site of a 2023 tragedy where more than 400 bodies were exhumed, highlighting one of the deadliest cult-related incidents in recent history. Kilifi County Commissioner Josephat Biwott confirmed that the five individuals were found in four separate graves, and that authorities have excavated 27 locations so far. Search operations are continuing to uncover additional victims.

Investigators believe the victims may have died from starvation and suffocation linked to extreme religious practices promoted by the cult. The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions in Kenya is probing at least 11 suspects in connection with these deaths.

Local residents had raised concerns after several children went missing in the area, prompting the authorities to begin exhumation efforts. The recent findings have renewed fears about cult activities in Kilifi County, echoing the 2023 events associated with Pastor Paul Mackenzie and his followers.

Authorities have pledged to continue the investigation to uncover the full scope of the cult's activities and ensure justice for the victims.