From Left: Safari Kenga, Gona Charo and Karisa Gona released on a free bond after detectives established they were not part of the Binzaro cult in Kilifi County. Photo by Ben Okweingoti 
By Ben Okweingoti
Three out of 11 suspected members of the Binzaro cult in Kilifi County, associated with controversial preacher Paul Mackenzie, have been released by a Malindi court after detectives established they were not part of the sect.
Malindi Principal Magistrate Joy Wesonga on Thursday freed Safari Kenga, Gona Charo and Karisa Gona on a free bond after prosecution confirmed they were not linked to the cult.
The three, including a village elder, had reportedly been involved only in a land transaction with the cult members. They were directed to report to the assistant chief at Makongeni sub-location twice weekly and to investigators once every two weeks, with strict orders not to interfere with witnesses or evidence.
However, four suspects — Sharleen Tembo Anindo, alias “Malkia,” Kahindi Garama, Thomas Mukonwe, and James Kahindi Kazungu — will remain in custody until September 18 when the court will decide if they will continue to be detained. Prosecutors argued they pose a threat to public safety and remain deeply radicalized.
Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Jami Yamina, leading the case, requested an additional 60 days to conclude investigations. He told the court that detectives are probing crimes including radicalisation, facilitation of terrorism, organised criminal activity, and murder.
Yamina revealed that the suspects had previously lived with their families in Shakahola before fleeing. Several of their spouses and children are missing, some believed dead, while others remain unaccounted for. Witnesses have linked the four to cult activities both in Shakahola and Kwa Binzaro.
Over the past 51 days, investigators have exhumed 32 bodies and 102 human remains, identified new suspected grave sites, and collected DNA samples from relatives of missing persons. More than 50 witness statements have been recorded.
The prosecution maintained that releasing the four could allow them to regroup, radicalize others, and perpetuate further harm.
“As a matter of national security, there is need for deradicalisation, disengagement, rehabilitation, and reintegration of the respondents whether or not they are charged,” Yamina told the court.
The Magistrate ordered that the four suspects be placed under the Witness Protection Unit for further processing as investigations continue.
