MOMBASA, KENYA – National Police Service officers are investigating the Zion Fire Anointing Ministries Church in Changamwe, Mombasa County, following a raid that led to the rescue of 27 individuals and the arrest of two senior church members on Tuesday, November 4, 2025. The operation has placed the church's founder, Prophetess Elizabeth Kadori, also known as Nabii Betty, at the center of a probe into suspected religious extremism and unlawful confinement.

The police intervention was triggered by a report from a man in Ndhiwa, Homa Bay County, who informed authorities that his daughter-in-law and three grandchildren had disappeared and were believed to be at the Changamwe church. According to Changamwe Sub-county Police Commander Patrick Gogo, the church is located approximately 100 metres from the local police station.

An initial raid on Friday, October 31, 2025, led to the successful rescue of the woman and her three children, aged eight, five, and three. Investigations revealed they had been residing at the church for over a month. Authorities noted that two of the children were of school-going age but had not been attending classes, and one child who was ill was allegedly being offered prayers instead of receiving medical care.

A subsequent, more extensive raid was conducted in the early hours of the following day. During this operation, officers discovered more people inside the premises, reportedly lying on the floor covered only by sheets and without mosquito nets. In total, 23 more individuals were rescued, comprising seven adult females, two middle-aged boys, and 11 additional children, bringing the total number of rescued children to 14. The rescued persons were taken to the Changamwe Police Station to record statements before being handed over to the Children's Department for further processing.

Arrests and Denials

During a visit by journalists to the church on Tuesday, November 4, two women, described as senior church members, reportedly became confrontational, hurling insults and threatening the news team. As police moved in, the two women attempted to flee in a vehicle but were intercepted and arrested about 500 metres from the church compound. They are currently being interrogated as investigations continue.

Prophetess Elizabeth Kadori has publicly denied the allegations of extremism and unlawful detainment. In her defense, she stated that the police raid on Tuesday morning, around 7:30 AM EAT, occurred after an overnight prayer vigil. She claimed that most congregants had already departed and the only people remaining were a few ushers and children who could not be allowed to travel home at that hour for security reasons. "This is a church, we can't allow children to go home at night or before it's daylight. They have to stay behind for security reasons," Kadori stated, citing local insecurity. She accused the police of harassment.

Official Investigation

Police Commander Gogo reported that Prophetess Kadori has been summoned for questioning but had not honored the summons as of Wednesday, November 5, 2025. "We are in hot pursuit, and soon the long arm of the law will catch up with her," Gogo stated. He also noted that many of the rescued individuals seemed to have been coached, providing similar accounts that they had only come to the church for an evening prayer session. However, information from residents in the neighborhood suggested that people had been living within the church compound for some time.

All 27 rescued individuals have had their statements recorded and have been advised to return to their homes, though police will contact them if required as the investigation proceeds. Commander Gogo issued an appeal to the public to exercise caution and vigilance regarding emerging religious movements with questionable doctrines. This incident comes in the wake of heightened national scrutiny on religious organizations following the Shakahola tragedy, prompting calls for tighter regulation to prevent exploitation and extremism.