A multi-agency team comprising law enforcement personnel from various units on Saturday conducted a raid at an estate in Githunguri, Kiambu County following a tip-off about a suspected religious cult.
Led by Githunguri Deputy County Commissioner David Juma, the operation resulted in the closure of the Miriga Kenga group's main office.
According to Juma, the police were alerted of the cult activities by locals after a member of the group died by suicide, after reportedly killing his own mother.
Deputy County Commissioner Juma stated that the raid was conducted to gather intelligence on the group's activities, as it had been posing as a cultural religious organisation for the local community.
The police boss clarified that the Miriga Kenga group had been recruiting members under the guise of teaching Agikuyu traditions while falsely presenting themselves as part of the Kikuyu Council of Elders.
In response to this, Juma ordered the immediate closure of the group's office to alleviate the rising tension in the area.
Additionally, it was revealed that the group had been operating with an expired license, further raising concerns about their activities and authenticity.
"We have found that the licence expired in 2020 and we have been forced to shut down the facility. There will be no meeting here until this matter is addressed.
"The licence has to be renewed. Any meeting that will be held here now will be illegal," he stated.
Meanwhile, Kikuyu elders have cautioned the community against the group's activities which the police described as backward.
Responding to the matter, the Kikuyu elders national chairman Ndung’u Gaithuma distanced association from the cult's activities.
"They do their things in secrecy and practice old age such as FGM. As a community, we do not support that. For us, we do everything during the day from 6 am to 6 pm," the Association's Secretary General Patrick Muiru added.
Counsellors, medics, and psychologists advise that you can always reach out for help when experiencing any mental health issues. Call Kenya Red Cross toll-free hotline, 1199, for support.
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