27 Detained Over Cult Activities
Authorities in Mombasa have taken 27 people into custody, including 20 minors, amid suspicions of cult-like activities tied to a local church. The arrests took place in Changamwe after a concerned citizen alerted the police about children being kept in dire conditions and reportedly facing starvation.
Changamwe Sub-County Police Commander Gogo Patrick confirmed the arrests, explaining that officers acted on the distressing information regarding the children inside Zion Fire Ministries Church.
When the police arrived, they discovered seven women and 20 minors—ranging in age from two to fifteen—lying on the floor, wrapped in blankets. Patrick described the situation as “disturbing,” pointing out that the children seemed malnourished and were living in unsafe, mosquito-ridden conditions.
“The situation we found the women and children in was heartbreaking. They were lying on bare floors, covered only with blankets, in an area with many mosquitoes. This was a clear risk to their lives,” Patrick said.
Investigators believe the group may have been staying inside the church, after finding luggage and personal belongings on the premises. Police report that the operation followed the arrest of a woman last Friday, who led officers to the location.
Patrick further noted that the children—many of school-going age—were absent from classrooms at a time when national examinations are ongoing.
“Today is a school day, and exams are ongoing. Yet children aged two to fifteen were here instead of being in school,” he added.
Authorities are currently on the lookout for a woman who is thought to be the leader or owner of the church, as investigations into potential religious extremism are ongoing. This news comes as the nation remains focused on the aftermath of the Shakahola massacre.
In the meantime, detectives from the homicide unit have returned 10 more bodies to families, raising the total number of bodies released to 11. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) is helping families arrange transportation back to their counties for burial.
One relative, who spoke after receiving the bodies of his loved ones, shared his relief that the process has finally started.
27 Detained Over Cult Activities
