Malindi High Court has released three people linked to the Kwa Bi Nzaro cult investigation on free bond, while police continue their inquiries.
The decision on Friday allows Safari Kenga Nzai, Gona Charo Kalama, and Kahindi Kazungu Garama, all residents of Kwa Bi Nzaro village, to await further investigations outside custody.
The three were arrested after allegedly selling a five-acre parcel of land to the main suspect, Sherleen Temba Anido.
Magistrate Joy Wesonga set strict conditions for their release, including surrendering copies of their national IDs, reporting to their area assistant chief twice a week, and appearing before the investigation team every two weeks.
“You will be required to report to your assistant chief’s office at Makongeni every Tuesday and Friday until investigations are concluded. You are further prohibited from contacting witnesses or interfering with the collection of evidence,” Magistrate Wesonga said.
The prosecution, led by Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions Jamie Yamina, also requested that four individuals — Jairus Otieno, his wife Lilian Akinyi, Kahonzi Katana Karisa, and Loise Zawadi be removed as suspects and converted into state witnesses.
Authorities further sought 60 more days to detain the main suspects, Sherleen Temba Anido, James Kahindi Kazungu, Thomas Mukunwe, and Kahindi Kazungu Garama at police stations in Ngerenya, Kilifi, Watamu, and Kijipwa.
Investigators said this extension will allow them to complete evidence collection.
The main suspects face serious charges, including radicalization, facilitation of terrorist acts, engaging in organized criminal activity, and murder.
Detectives have also identified several suspected grave sites in Kwa Binzaro that are yet to be exhumed.
Several of the individuals linked to the current investigation, including Sherleen Temba, Lilian Akinyi, Kahonzi Katana Karisa, Gona Charo Kalama, Kahindi Kazungu Garama, and Thomas Mukunwe, were previously connected to the 2023 Shakahola massacre.
