A prosecution witness has told a Kilifi court that victims linked to the Kwa Binzaro manslaughter case were buried without clothes, coffins or proper burial rites, in practices that he said were contrary to Giriama traditions.
The testimony was presented before Senior Principal Magistrate Eric Wambo as the prosecution continued its case against Pastor Paul Mackenzie and five co-accused over the deaths of 29 people in Kwa Binzaro, Chakama Location, Magarini Sub-County.
Chakama Area Chief Raymond Charo testified that he witnessed part of the exhumation exercise and observed bodies buried in shallow graves without coffins or clothing. He said the burial practices closely resembled those uncovered during the Shakahola investigations.
According to Charo, Giriama customs require burials to be conducted during the day with prayers, with the deceased placed in coffins and graves dug to a minimum depth of six feet. He told the court the burials at Kwa Binzaro did not conform to any recognised traditions within the community.
Charo clarified that his evidence was based solely on his personal observations during the exhumations and not on forensic investigations. He added that police had recovered additional human remains and body parts before the larger exhumation exercise, although he could not confirm the exact number.
Police Constable Isaiah Barasa also testified that officers responded to reports alleging followers at Shallyne Temba’s homestead had been radicalised into starving themselves. Another witness, Allan Luwali, confirmed selling a motorcycle to Kahindi Kazungu before later recording a statement with DCI investigators.
