A routine afternoon in central Mombasa took an unexpected turn when police rescued five members of the same family who were walking naked through the city’s streets, praying as crowds gathered around them.
Officers said the family a mother, two daughters, a son and a seven-year-old girl was found along Moi Avenue on Tuesday after concerned members of the public alerted authorities. As the crowd grew, fears emerged that the group could become the target of mob violence.
Police officers on patrol intervened and escorted the family to Central Police Station before transferring the adults for medical attention.
Preliminary investigations indicate the family had travelled from Mbeere in Embu County and had been staying temporarily in the Chaani area of Changamwe Sub-County.
According to police, the family told investigators they believed they had been instructed by their faith to remain unclothed because they were living in what they described as the “last days“. They reportedly believed wearing clothes would lead them into sin.
“The adults appeared mentally disturbed and were largely unresponsive during questioning,” police said in a statement.
The four adults were taken to Port Reitz Sub-County Hospital, where they remain under medical assessment and treatment.
The seven-year-old child was released into the care of an aunt living in the Samburu area of neighbouring Kwale County.
Police said investigations are continuing and have not resulted in any criminal findings.
The case has renewed attention on the influence of suspected cult-like movements in parts of Kenya, particularly after a series of incidents in recent years that have raised concerns over extreme religious practices. Authorities have, however, cautioned against drawing conclusions before investigations are complete.
Separate Investigation in Embu
In a separate incident, detectives in Embu County arrested a farm worker after uncovering what investigators believe was the burial site of a missing man.
The investigation began after relatives reported the disappearance of Lawrance Murimi Njiru, who had been employed on a farm in Itabua, Embu West Sub-County.
Police officers from Itabua Police Station, together with detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), searched the property and noticed a recently ploughed patch of land where banana seedlings had been planted.
Investigators also found bloodstains and signs of a struggle near a cattle shed, prompting a closer examination of the area.
The body was later exhumed from the suspected grave.
Police said a banana stem had been planted above the burial site in what investigators believe was an attempt to conceal the grave.
A preliminary examination found multiple deep head wounds, a stab injury to the lower back and a fractured right wrist, suggesting the victim had suffered a violent attack before being buried.
Crime scene officers documented the scene before the body was transferred to Embu Level Five Hospital Mortuary for a post-mortem examination.
Police say the investigation remains active, and the suspect is being held as detectives continue gathering evidence.
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