JUJA, Kenya — Police in Juja sub-county have arrested multiple individuals following a raid on a suspected sect shrine believed to be involved in harmful practices, including alleged Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).
The operation took place on Saturday morning after authorities received credible intelligence about the group’s activities.
The sect reportedly operates openly, displaying green, black, and white colours on their clothing and the premises they occupied. However, police say the group’s practices were far from lawful.
Juja Sub-County Police Commander Bernard Ngungu revealed that investigators had been monitoring the group for several months.
“There was a case we were investigating involving an illegal sect which was conducting its activities inside a shrine behind this area,” Ngungu said.
Authorities believe the sect recently relocated to Kalimoni in Juja and had been under close surveillance following reports of suspicious and illegal practices. Police suspect that some of the sect’s activities include the outlawed practice of FGM.
“We have intelligence that they were carrying out FGM, that is female genital mutilation,” Ngungu confirmed.
During the raid, male members of the sect were handcuffed and taken into custody, while some remained defiant, singing as they were arrested. Women and children reportedly affiliated with the group were also present near the shrine.
Police confiscated several items during the operation, including jerrycans of traditional brew, animal hides, and books and posters detailing strict rules for women.
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Investigators noted that the sect forbids women from wearing make-up, trousers, or short dresses, and prohibits the use of phones and laptops on service days.
Ngungu explained that the investigation into the sect began last year after authorities received reports of suspicious gatherings.
“We visited the place at that time and the members were few. It appears they have since grown in number and are recruiting more followers. We understand they recently relocated here from another sub-county in Kiambu where they had been chased away,” he said.
The shrine has been closed as investigations continue. Police warned that anyone found participating in illegal or harmful practices will face legal action.
