Kenyan Pastor Arrested Smuggling Cobra Claims 'Holy Spirit' Led Him

A 26-year-old pastor is in custody after being apprehended at the Malenya border crossing in Busia County, attempting to smuggle a live cobra from Uganda into Kenya. 

Pastor Fanish Ramsey Maloba of Apostle Ministries Church in Matayos, was intercepted by officers from the Mayenje Police Post during routine border patrols. According to police reports, Maloba was found carrying a large, black and brown cobra concealed within a bag. Witnesses at the scene recounted the palpable shock and apprehension as officers discovered the reptile during the search.

Busia County Police Commander Ahmed Abdille confirmed that Maloba failed to produce a valid permit from the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) authorizing the possession and transportation of the snake. Authorities suspect Maloba intended to smuggle the cobra into Kenya for undisclosed purposes.

During questioning, Maloba offered a peculiar explanation for his actions. He claimed to have traveled to Uganda for prayer sessions aimed at dispelling evil spirits. According to his account, the cobra appeared during these prayers, and he believed the Holy Spirit directed him to capture it and bring it to his church for further spiritual rites.

Law enforcement officials, however, remain skeptical of Maloba's narrative, citing growing concerns about religious leaders incorporating occult-like practices into their ministries. KWS officials, along with detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), secured the snake and formally charged Maloba.

The pastor is currently detained at the Busia Police Station while investigations are ongoing. If convicted of illegally possessing and transporting wildlife, he could face severe penalties under Kenyan conservation laws.

The incident involving Pastor Maloba is the latest in a series of troubling cases involving religious leaders accused of employing unorthodox methods. Locals have expressed increasing alarm over reports of preachers claiming to perform supernatural feats, often incorporating snakes or other symbolic creatures into exorcism rituals.

Last November, tragedy struck in Murende village, Matayos Sub-county, when Margaret Agutu died after being bitten by a snake during a public exorcism ceremony. Agutu was among villagers gathered to witness a pastor conduct prayers using occult materials. 

Chaos erupted when she was bitten on the finger by a snake purportedly part of the exorcism session, and she succumbed to her injuries while being transported to a hospital. The pastor involved in Agutu's case reportedly fled the scene with his snake after realizing the gravity of the situation. In a separate incident in Kakamega County, a preacher was attacked by a venomous snake while attempting to "cast out demons" in a local homestead. 

Local leaders have urged congregants to exercise caution when engaging with self-proclaimed prophets and miracle workers. Villagers have reported preachers conducting elaborate "spiritual cleansing" campaigns after sensitizing communities about the alleged dangers of witchcraft. This often involves collecting money from believers to facilitate the cleansing sessions.