Kenya Cult Death Toll Rises to 32 Amid Police Admission of Response Failures
Kenya Cult Death Toll Rises to 32 Amid Police Admission of Response Failures
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Kenyan authorities confirmed Friday that the death toll from the Kwa Binzaro cult tragedy has risen to 32 following new exhumations in Kilifi county, according to Anadolu Agency, amid admissions of failures in intelligence and coordination.
Investigators uncovered seven additional bodies and 54 body parts in shallow graves and forests, prompting comparisons to the 2023 Shakahola massacre, where over 400 cult members perished. Forensic experts noted some remains appeared relatively fresh, suggesting burials occurred in recent months.
Police spokesperson Michael Muchiri acknowledged lapses between intelligence services, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, and local administration. Authorities have urged families with missing relatives to submit DNA samples at a Kenya Red Cross desk in Malindi District Hospital for identification.
The Kwa Binzaro incident highlights ongoing dangers from extremist cults in Kilifi, 426 kilometers southeast of Nairobi, where victims have reportedly died from starvation, suffocation, and violence under cult indoctrination.
