Detectives have uncovered more suspected graves in Kwa Binzaro village, Kilifi County, deepening fears of another cult-related tragedy in the coastal region.

The discovery is part of an ongoing investigation led by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), focusing on mysterious deaths and disappearances believed to have occurred between March and July this year.

The DCI’s Homicide Unit, headed by Martin Nyuguto, has pitched camp in the area after a long period of silence and speculation.

The team is now revisiting earlier clues while seeking new information from both forested areas and local homesteads, where unusual activities were reported.

Clad in full forensic suits, detectives have located several shallow graves suspected to contain the bodies of individuals possibly tied to cultic rituals.

These grave sites have now been sealed off as active crime scenes, and are under 24-hour guard as investigators mark key locations and prepare for an extensive forensic operation scheduled for next week.

So far, the operation has led to the recovery of a male body and two human skulls, discovered in both wooded areas and within compounds in the village.

The finds have stirred tension and concern among residents, many of whom fear the actual death toll could be higher than initially suspected, with some families still unaware of the whereabouts of their loved ones.

The emerging evidence has drawn comparisons to the 2023 Shakahola massacre, where scores of bodies were exhumed from land linked to a religious cult operating in the same region.

Investigators believe Kwa Binzaro could be facing a similar situation, though the full extent remains unclear.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has responded to growing public concerns, rejecting claims that the situation resulted from a breakdown in intelligence.

“There was no lapse in intelligence. We are acting swiftly to ensure no further deaths or unreported bodies go unnoticed,” Murkomen said.

The homicide unit is expected to continue its work on the ground into the coming week as the search for answers and justice continues.