Police detain 27 in Mombasa over suspected cult activities

Changamwe Sub-County Police Commander Gogo Patrick confirmed the arrests, stating that officers acted after receiving information about children in distress inside Zion Fire Ministries Church.

Upon arrival, police found seven women and 20 minors—aged between two and fifteen years—lying on the floor covered in blankets. Patrick described the scene as “disturbing,” noting the minors appeared malnourished and were living in unsafe, mosquito-infested 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.

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.

The development comes as national attention remains focused on the aftermath of the Shakahola massacre. Meanwhile, detectives from the homicide unit have released 10 additional bodies to families, bringing the total number of bodies released to 11. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) is assisting families with transportation arrangements to their respective counties for burial.

One relative, speaking after receiving bodies belonging to his family, expressed relief that the process had finally begun.

“We are grateful. We have received our two loved ones and will continue making funeral arrangements to bury them back home,” he said.