A Malindi court has approved the exhumation of shallow mass graves at Binzaro area, Makongeni Sub-location.
The orders are to assist the DCI and the government pathologist in determining the cause of their deaths after conducting toxicology analysis.
“A Malindi court has granted the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) permission to exhume bodies believed to be buried in shallow graves in the Binzaro area, Makongeni Sub-location, on the outskirts of the town.
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Resident Magistrate Hon. Irene Thamara issued the order directing the Chief Government pathologist to carry out the exhumation for purposes of postmortem examinations, DNA testing, and toxicological analysis to determine the causes of death,” said ODPP
According to Prosecution Counsel Judy Gachuru, the victims were killed due to starvation in what appears to be a pattern of radicalization and organized criminal activity.
“According to a sworn affidavit filed by DCI, preliminary investigations suggest that the victims may have been starved and suffocated as a result of adopting and promoting extreme religious ideologies. The affidavit further notes that survivors rescued from the area were unable to account for the whereabouts of several children, prompting suspicions of foul play.
The court was told that brief interviews conducted with rescued individuals revealed they could not reasonably explain the disappearance of the children. The DCI requested the court to authorize forensic investigations on the exhumed bodies, including autopsies, DNA profiling, and toxicological tests to establish the cause and manner of death.
Hon. Thamara also directed the Officer Commanding Malindi Police Division and the Officer Commanding Lango Baya Police Station to provide adequate security during the exhumation process.
In addition, the Public Health Officer for Malindi was instructed to oversee health and safety measures during the exhumation and ensure the bodies are preserved and stored at Malindi Sub-County Hospital for forensic analysis,” said ODPP
