Elizabeth Kadori: Zion Fire Church founder addresses claims of being a cult leader

Elizabeth Kadori, founder of Zion Anointing Ministry Church, has addressed growing allegations that her Mombasa-based ministry operates as a cult and that children are buried on the premises.

The developments follow a police operation conducted on Sunday, November 2, 2025, during a Kesha, triggered by reports claiming that individuals who died as a result of the church’s teachings were buried within the church grounds.

Kadori, speaking to the press on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, explained that during late-night services, some children remain at the church after adult congregants leave for security purposes, particularly in view of general insecurity in the surrounding area.

“And as people slept last night, some left and others stayed. I left at midnight, while others stayed behind, and the children could not leave at that hour, so they remained until 7 a.m,” she said.

She noted that on the night of the police operation, adults departed around midnight while children stayed until 7 a.m., which coincided with police entering the premises.

According to her account, officers disrupted the service, taking photographs and interfering with the congregation.

“Then I heard that the police came at around 1 a.m., entered, began harassing people, and started taking pictures of children and those arranging chairs,” Kadori said.

She expressed frustration at repeated scrutiny of her ministry, highlighting prior incidents where law enforcement officials interrupted her preaching to raise unverified allegations, including claims that bodies were buried within the church.

Kadori said the officials often failed to verify the facts and at times interfered during active services.

“Previously, another officer came on another day while I was preaching, claiming that bodies had been buried here at the church. Why did he not verify if it was true? He comes sometimes and interrupts me, even taking my microphone while I am preaching,” Kadori lamented.

The founder maintained that the church’s security measures during late-night gatherings are necessary to protect attendees, particularly minors, and that the presence of children overnight is a standard safety practice rather than evidence of wrongdoing.

“I want to say this is a church, and the reason the children stayed is that we cannot let them go out at night after the service; they must remain for security purposes. Outside, there is insecurity, people are attacked, and that is why they could not leave.”

Kadori also emphasised her willingness to allow authorities to investigate and supervise any inspection of the church premises to prove that no bodies are buried there.

She lamented that her church’s operations have faced ongoing attention and investigation over the past 17 years, asserting that repeated claims against the ministry have been unfounded and that the institution continues to operate as a legitimate religious establishment.

“Why must it always be a battle for this church? For 17 years, I have been investigated and scrutinised. And now some are saying that children are buried in this church. We want them to come, show us, and confirm that there are no bodies. We are ready to have the church dug up, and we want them to supervise to see that there are no bodies,” she added.