Authorities in Juja on Saturday morning raided a shrine that had been believed to be the hideout for illegal activities, including the practice of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), which is strictly prohibited..
The authorities received a tip-off from residents regarding unusual activities happening within the shrine. This prompted a thorough investigation, which had been going on for some time, according to police spokesman Bernard Ngungu.
“We have been looking into the activities of an illegal sect operating from a shrine near this area,” Bernard Ngungu stated.
The group had recently moved to Kalimoni, and their activities were closely monitored following concerns over the activities of the group. The police raided the place as the group had gathered, and they suspected the group of engaging in the practice of FGM. “We have intelligence that they were conducting FGM,” Ngungu stated.
The men from the sect were handcuffed and transported away by police vehicles. Some witnesses claimed that a part of the group continued to sing even as they were being arrested.
The women and children believed to be part of the sect were seen around the area as the authorities carried out their raid.
The authorities took a number of items from the shrine. These included jerricans carrying traditional brew, animal hides, books, and posters outlining a dress code for women.
The authorities claimed that the sect prohibits women from wearing makeup, trousers, or short dresses. They are also believed to prohibit the use of phones and laptops on service days.
The authorities claimed that they had concerns about the activities of the sect. The concerns emerged last year when people noticed unusual activities by the group. Ngungu claimed that they had visited the area before when the group had fewer people. However, it seems that the group has grown and continues to recruit more people.
The authorities claimed that the sect might have established a new base in Juja after they were chased from another area in Kiambu County. The authorities shut down the shrine with a warning to those involved. Anyone found participating in illegal activities will be dealt with by the law.
