Paul Mackenzie, the primary suspect in the 2023 Shakahola massacre, has denied any connection to a fresh case of alleged religious radicalization uncovered in Kilifi County.

This comes after security officers raided a compound in Binzaro village, Chakama Ranch just a few kilometers from Shakahola and arrested three suspects while rescuing four individuals believed to have been held under suspicious circumstances.

Authorities also recovered two human skulls and a recently deceased body at the scene, raising fresh concerns about the continued spread of radical ideologies in the area.

The site lies close to where over 400 followers of Mackenzie’s Good News International Ministries were found buried in shallow graves last year, after reportedly starving themselves to death in a religious fast.

Mackenzie, who has been in custody since March 2023, is already facing a string of charges including terrorism, radicalization, and manslaughter.

However, his legal team has dismissed any suggestion that he is linked to the latest case, insisting there is no evidence connecting him to the new arrests or the discovery of human remains in Binzaro.

Responding to claims that one of the rescued individuals might have ties to Mackenzie’s church, his lawyer said such assertions remain speculative and are matters best left to investigative agencies. "Anyone can claim to belong to a particular church," the lawyer noted, adding that the location of the new case is far from where Mackenzie lived and operated.

The defense team also questioned how Mackenzie could be implicated in events taking place while he remains behind bars.

“It’s been over two years since his arrest, and the court cases are still ongoing. How then can he be linked to what’s unfolding now?” the lawyer asked.

Pressed about allegations of continued radicalization, the lawyer declined to offer details, citing ongoing court proceedings.

“The issue is before the judiciary, and it would be inappropriate to comment. What we can say for now is that Mackenzie was simply preaching the word of God,” he added.

The lawyer further clarified that Mackenzie had completed a separate sentence on July 31, 2023, relating to his failure to enroll his children in school, and that no new charges had been brought against him in relation to the latest Kilifi incident at least as of now.