The government has foiled a suspected case of religious radicalisation in Binzaro Village, Chakama Location, Langobaya Division, Kilifi County.

Acting on a tip-off from members of the public, security and intelligence teams conducted a swift operation targeting a secluded five-acre homestead linked to suspicious religious activity.

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.

Preliminary assessments indicate that the individuals may have been held under the influence of radical teachings.

Tragically, two human skulls and the freshly deceased body of an unidentified adult male were discovered in nearby thickets.

The remains have been transferred to the Malindi Sub-County Hospital Mortuary for preservation, identification, and forensic examination.

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, amid unresolved questions surrounding the legality and transparency of the ownership and transaction processes.

Investigations are ongoing to establish the full circumstances relating to the acquisition, management, and use of the parcel.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Malindi has been granted continued
protective custody of the rescued individuals and has applied for warrants to conduct a more comprehensive forensic search of the site. The premises have since been secured and documented by the crime scene investigation team.

Drawing critical lessons from the Shakahola tragedy, the government commends members of the public for their vigilance and timely action in reporting suspicious activity – an intervention that may have averted a greater loss of life.

“The government remains resolute in confronting radical religious indoctrination and extremist ideologies that exploit vulnerable individuals and communities under the guise of faith,” Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo says in a statement on Tuesday, July 22.