Police Rescue 20 Children, Detain 7 Adults in Mombasa Religious Sect Crackdown
Police in Mombasa County have rescued 20 children and detained seven adults believed to belong to a religious extremist group. The operation took place at Zion Fire Anointing Ministries Church in Changamwe on Monday, October 3.
According to Changamwe Police Commander Patrick Gogo, the raid followed a week-long investigation that began last Wednesday after a woman and her children escaped the church and reported the matter to authorities.
“When we came in, we found that the condition the women and children were in was a very worrying state,” said Gogo.
“All of them were sleeping on the floor of the church, and this was dangerous.”
Alarming Living Conditions
Gogo described the discovery as deeply disturbing, especially given the vulnerability of the children.
“As you know, Mombasa has very many mosquitoes, and so when small children sleep on the floor without nets, it is easy for them to get malaria,” he explained.
The seven adults detained at the scene are currently under interrogation. Authorities are working to trace the church leader, who reportedly fled before the raid.
“We have not arrested the owner of the church yet, but investigations are ongoing,” Gogo confirmed.
“We are also trying to find out if there are more victims elsewhere.”
Broader Concerns About Religious Extremism
This incident adds to a growing list of religious cult cases uncovered in Kenya this year. Security agencies have intensified crackdowns following rising cases of extremist teachings disguised as religious practices.
Earlier in April, police in Migori County rescued 57 people from the St. Joseph Mission of Africa Church in Kochola Village. Officers also recovered two bodies from the church premises.
The victims in Migori were reportedly found starving and chanting religious songs while resisting medical attention after their rescue.
Authorities fear such incidents point to a wider network of cult-like movements spreading across the country, exploiting vulnerable believers in the name of faith.
Ongoing Investigation and Call for Vigilance
“We are asking parents and communities to be vigilant. If you see any signs of confinement or radical teachings, please report immediately,” he emphasized.
Meanwhile, the rescued children have been placed under protective custody, receiving food, shelter, and medical attention.
As investigations continue, Kenyans are once again reminded of the dangers of blind religious obedience and the need for communities to safeguard their children from exploitation.
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Police Rescue 20 Children, Detain 7 Adults in Mombasa Religious Sect Crackdown
