Detectives exhume bodies during the phase five exhumation inside the Shakahola forest, Kilifi county. [Marion Kithi, Standrd]
Authorities from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have arrested four individuals connected to a suspected radicalised group operating at a homestead in Binzaro village, Kilifi County.
The Ministry of Interior on Tuesday, July 22, confirmed the arrests of four persons, including the prime suspect.
Three others linked to the sale of property to the suspect have been detained. One body, two human skulls were recovered, while four frail individuals were rescued.
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“The prime suspect is currently in custody, along with three individuals identified as the operational managers of the homestead. Additionally, three other persons have been detained in connection with the sale of the property to the suspect,” the ministry noted.
The ministry observed that, “Preliminary assessments suggest the rescued individuals may have been held under the influence of radical teachings.”
The operation into the suspected cult-like group led by Kilifi County Commissioner Josphat Biwott on Saturday confirmed to have received a tip-off from members of the public, leading to the rescue of four individuals allegedly held captive at the compound.
“During the operation, four individuals- a 50-year-old man who had been reported missing at Siaya police station on April 15, his 40-year-old wife and two females aged 40 and 19- were rescued from the compound,” the ministry said.
Further, DCI has applied for warrants to conduct a deeper forensic search of the said five-acre compound, noting that the premises have been secured.
This incident comes months after the Shakahola tragedy that shocked the country in 2023.
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Detectives exhume bodies during the phase five exhumation inside the Shakahola forest, Kilifi county. [Marion Kithi, Standrd]
Authorities from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have
arrested four individuals connected
to a suspected radicalised group operating at a homestead in Binzaro village, Kilifi County.
The Ministry of Interior on Tuesday, July 22, confirmed the arrests of four persons, including the prime suspect.
Three others linked to the sale of property to the suspect have been detained. One body, two human skulls were recovered, while four frail individuals were rescued.
Follow The Standard
channel
on WhatsApp
“The prime suspect is currently in custody, along with three individuals identified as the operational managers of the homestead. Additionally, three other persons have been detained in connection with the sale of the property to the suspect,” the ministry noted.
The ministry observed that, “Preliminary assessments suggest the rescued individuals may have been held under the influence of radical teachings.”
The operation into the suspected cult-like group led by Kilifi County Commissioner Josphat Biwott on Saturday confirmed to have received a tip-off from members of the public, leading to the rescue of four individuals allegedly held captive at the compound.
“During the operation, four individuals- a 50-year-old man who had been reported missing at Siaya police station on April 15, his 40-year-old wife and two females aged 40 and 19- were rescued from the compound,” the ministry said.
Further, DCI has applied for warrants to conduct a deeper forensic search of the said five-acre compound, noting that the premises have been secured.
This incident comes months after the Shakahola tragedy that shocked the country in 2023.
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channel
on WhatsApp
By Daren Kosgei