In a chilling turn of events, two Tanzanian nationals have been arrested in Kenya after allegedly using a live python snake in a twisted “healing and money ritual” that left their victim financially ruined and spiritually tormented.
The suspects, identified as Issa Said Hussein (alias Adrian Lumbasa) and an accomplice, are accused of luring a desperate Kenyan man with promises of casting out demons, curing his illnesses, and transforming his financial fortunes.
Instead, authorities say, they drained him of a staggering KSh 1.5 million through a series of heart-wrenching scams.
According to police reports, the nightmare began when a relative introduced the victim to the pair, claiming they could pray away his misfortunes.
In May 2026, he was taken to a rental house in Kariobangi South, where the scammers allegedly unleashed their bizarre scheme.
There, the victim was shown a massive python undergoing ecdysis (shedding of skin). The suspects chillingly claimed that every time the snake shed, the victim’s problems were getting worse.
To “burn” the snake and break the curse, they demanded he undergo expensive rituals and even instructed him to return with two suitcases full which he will use to carry dollars with on his next visit.
The terrified man continued wiring huge sums of money to the second suspect until he finally realized he had been duped. He reported the matter to the police.
On June 22, 2026, DCI officers from Starehe Division stormed the suspects’ hideout in Kariobangi South. Inside, they made a shocking discovery: the live python coiled inside a metal box, along with an assortment of witchcraft paraphernalia.
Even more damning, the two men were found to be illegally in Kenya with no valid travel documents, visas, or permits.
Detective Peter Maritim presented the duo before honourable Marryline Cherotich seeking detention orders to hand over the python to Kenya Wildlife Services (KWS) for safe custody at the National Museums of Kenya.
Additionally, ” your honor I need more time to obtain expert identification and preservation reports on the snake, and liaise with Immigration and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to investigate the suspects’ illegal presence in Kenya” he said.
Officer Maritim told the court that he needed to interrogate the suspects and forward the file to the Director of Public Prosecutions.
The court was further told that the suspected were a flight risk with no fixed abode in Kenya.
Honorable Cherotich granted the orders directing the matter to be mentioned on July 1, 2026.
