Authorities are investigating a suspected case of religious radicalization in Binzaro village, Chakama, Kilifi County, where four people were rescued and human remains found following a police raid.

The operation was launched after a tip-off from the public about unusual religious activities taking place on a remote five-acre property.

In a statement released Tuesday, the Ministry of Interior confirmed that officers stormed the compound and rescued four individuals, including a 50-year-old man who had been reported missing in April at Siaya Police Station.

Alongside him were his 40-year-old wife and two other women aged 40 and 19.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the individuals may have been influenced by radical religious beliefs.

During the search, police discovered two human skulls and the body of an unidentified man in nearby bushes.

A man identified as the “prime suspect” was arrested at the scene. Three others believed to be caretakers of the compound were also taken into custody.

In addition, three more individuals are being held in connection with the sale of the land to the suspect. Authorities are now looking into how the property was acquired and whether the documents used in the transaction were valid.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in Malindi is now leading the case. The rescued individuals have been placed under protective custody, and DCI is seeking court approval to carry out a forensic search of the compound for further evidence.

This latest incident has revived memories of the 2023 Shakahola tragedy, which happened in the same region.

In that case, more than 450 bodies were exhumed from mass graves in Shakahola Forest in what became the country’s worst cult-related disaster.

Pastor Paul Mackenzie of Good News International Church is currently facing charges related to the mass starvation of followers who were reportedly told to fast to death in order to enter heaven.

In a disturbing link, the rescued couple from the Binzaro raid were said to have been among the victims recovered during the Shakahola rescue operation but later disappeared.

The man’s brother told authorities that the family had left their home in Siaya in March with their six children, aged between 1 and 15 years, and reappeared in Kilifi, raising further concerns about possible re-radicalization.

The Ministry of Interior said the latest operation is part of broader efforts to stop the spread of extremist religious groups and prevent any repeat of the Shakahola tragedy.

Investigations are ongoing, with authorities determined to expose hidden networks fueling such beliefs.