Police raid suspected sect shrine in Juja, arrest several over alleged FGM practices

Police in Juja sub-county have arrested several people following a raid on a suspected sect shrine whose members are believed to be involved in harmful practices, including alleged Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).

The arrests were made on Saturday morning after police received a tip-off about the group’s activities.

The sect members appeared to operate openly, with their green, black and white colours displayed on their clothing and on the building they occupied. However, police say their activities were far from lawful.

According to Juja sub-county Police Commander Bernard Ngungu, officers had been investigating the group for some time.

“There was a case we were investigating involving an illegal sect which was conducting its activities inside a shrine behind this area,” Ngungu said.

Police believe the sect recently relocated to Kalimoni in Juja and had been under surveillance by investigators following reports of suspicious practices.

On Saturday, officers acting on intelligence raided the premises as members carried out their activities. Police suspect that some of the activities included the outlawed practice of female genital mutilation.

“We have intelligence that they were carrying out FGM, that is female genital mutilation,” Ngungu said.

During the operation, male members of the sect were handcuffed and placed in police vehicles as they were taken into custody. Even as they were being arrested, some of the members remained defiant and were heard singing.

Meanwhile, women and children believed to be members of the group gathered nearby as police conducted the operation.

Officers also confiscated several jerrycans of traditional brew believed to have been used during the sect’s activities.

Other items recovered from the buildings included animal hides, books and posters outlining strict rules on how women should dress.

According to investigators, the sect reportedly forbids women from wearing make-up, trousers or short dresses, and also prohibits the use of phones and laptops during service days.

Police said investigations into the group 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,” Ngungu said.

Authorities have since closed the shrine as investigations continue. Police warned that action will be taken against anyone found engaging in illegal or harmful practices.