What Police Found at the Controversial Zion Fire Anointing Ministries

Police in Mombasa are investigating Zion Fire Anointing Ministries Church after rescuing 27 people, including children, and arresting two senior female members during a raid at the church’s premises in Changamwe.

The arrests took place on Tuesday when officers returned to the compound for a follow-up operation. Tensions rose after one of the suspects allegedly threatened journalists and attempted to assault them, prompting a brief car chase before the women were detained about 500 metres from the church. Both are now being questioned as part of a wider inquiry into the church’s operations.

The investigation began after a man in Ndhiwa, Homa Bay County, reported that his daughter-in-law and three grandchildren had gone missing. Police later traced them to the church, located about 100 metres from the Changamwe Police Station. Officers rescued the woman and her three children, aged eight, five, and three, who had reportedly been living at the church for more than a month without attending school or receiving medical care. 

One of the children, who was unwell, is said to have been subjected to prayers instead of being taken to hospital. A second raid uncovered more people staying at the premises, including seven adult women, two teenage boys, and 14 children. Police found them sleeping on the floor with little bedding and no mosquito nets. 

The group was taken to the police station and later handed over to the Children’s Department for further assessment. Police Commander Patrick Gogo said many of those rescued appeared to have been coached, claiming they had only attended an overnight prayer service, though witnesses reported that some had been living there for weeks.

The church’s founder, Prophetess Elizabeth Kadori, known as Nabii Betty, has denied any wrongdoing. She said the raid took place after most worshippers had already left following a night of prayer and explained that children and a few members stayed behind because it was unsafe for them to travel home at night.

Ms Kadori has not yet presented herself to police, instead sending her lawyers to respond to the summons. Commander Gogo confirmed that officers are still seeking her and emphasised that the investigation will continue until all concerns are addressed. He also urged the public to remain cautious when engaging with religious groups that may not operate within the law.