Police in Juja Sub-County have detained several suspects after officers raided a shrine linked to a suspected illegal sect accused of engaging in dangerous and unlawful practices, including the alleged conduct of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).
The arrests took place on Saturday, March 14, 2026, after security agencies received intelligence about the group’s operations in the area.
Authorities said the group appeared to operate in plain sight, with members dressed in distinctive green, black and white colours, which were also displayed on the building used as their shrine. However, investigators say the activities taking place inside were illegal.
According to Juja sub-county Police Commander Bernard Ngungu, officers had been monitoring the group for a while.
“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 moved its operations to Kalimoni, where it had been placed under surveillance following reports of suspicious activities.
Acting on fresh intelligence, officers stormed the premises on Saturday while members were reportedly carrying out their activities. Investigators suspect that some of the practices included the banned act of female genital mutilation.
“We have intelligence that they were carrying out FGM, that is female genital mutilation,” Ngungu said.
During the operation, several male members of the sect were handcuffed and placed in police vehicles. Witnesses said some members continued singing even as they were being taken away.
Women and children believed to be associated with the group gathered nearby as officers conducted the raid.
Police also recovered several jerrycans containing traditional brew suspected to have been used during the sect’s gatherings.
Other items seized from the shrine included animal hides, books and posters outlining strict rules governing how women in the sect should dress.
Investigators say the group reportedly bans women from wearing make-up, trousers or short dresses, and also restricts the use of phones and laptops on days when members gather for worship.
Authorities noted that investigations into the sect began last year after reports emerged about unusual gatherings and activities in the area.