Njoro woman arrested, 31 rescued from cult-like prayer home

Nakuru County Deputy Commissioner David Mbevi during an interview in Nakuru county on January, 2023. [Kipsang Joseph, Standard]

Police in Nakuru are investigating a suspected cult-like organisation whose leader was found hosting members and their children at her home in Mugumoini village, Njoro.

Njoro Deputy County Commissioner David Mbevi said a 62-year-old woman was found hosting 14 adults and their 17 children from Nakuru, Kisumu, Uasin Gishu, and Nyandarua among other areas.

"We were tipped off by a resident that there was suspicious activity in the home. We visited the place and confirmed that some religious practice was going on," said Mbevi.

He said the people were found praying inside the house but appeared not to be fasting as witnessed in other cults that have been recently exposed.

"We found that they had earlier in the day prepared a meal, so there was no fasting. However, it was a questionable gathering based on the circumstances that had brought these people together," said Mbevi.

Mbevi said following the Thursday raid, the adults and children alongside the woman were taken to Ndeffo Police Station for questioning and t record statements.

"They confirmed to us that they were there for prayers though the place is not a registered church. With the recent reports of cults in the country, we decided to conduct further investigations," he said.

He added that the adults confirmed to the security apparatus that they had travelled to her house to be prayed for.

"They described the suspect as their spiritual leader. According to them, she calls her ministry Army Rurwama which we suspect to be a budding cult," said Mbevi.

Njoro Deputy Sub County Police Commander Lawrence Nallo said the adults and children who appeared to be in good health were later released as the investigations continue.

"They claimed to have been there for prayers for four days. Wanjiru was held until yesterday for questioning. We have released her but we are still following up on the matter," said Nallo. He said there was a possibility of re-arresting Wanjiru should she be found conducting illegal activities.