Slither and scam: Two held in Sh1.5m python 'healing'

Two Tanzanians have been arrested by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) for allegedly defrauding a Kenyan man of Sh1.5 million through a fraudulent “healing and money ritual” that involved the use of a live python. 

The suspects, identified as Aaron Magala Nicas and Issa Said Hussein, alias Adrian Lumbasa, are accused of luring the victim with promises of spiritual cleansing, curing illnesses, and improving his financial situation. Police say the pair instead subjected him to an elaborate scam that resulted in substantial financial loss. 

According to investigators, the scheme began after a relative introduced the victim to the suspects, who claimed they could pray away his misfortunes.

In May 2026, the victim was taken to a rented house in Kariobangi South, Nairobi, where the suspects reportedly displayed a large python undergoing ecdysis (skin shedding).  

They allegedly told the victim that each shedding of the snake’s skin was exacerbating his problems and to alleviate his illness and poverty, the snake had to be burned. 

To “burn” the snake and reverse the supposed curse, the suspects demanded payment for expensive rituals. They further instructed the victim to return with two suitcases intended for carrying US dollars on a subsequent visit.  

The victim continued transferring large sums of money to the second suspect with  an expectation to receive healing and also be relieved from of financial constraints.  

At some point he borrowed money from friends and families until he realized he was being duped into raising more money without any immediate change in his circumstances as promised by the “healers”. I stead his woes worsened. He then reported the matter to the police. 

On 22 June 2026, DCI officers from Starehe Division raided the suspects’ hideout in Kariobangi South. Officers recovered a live python inside a metal box, along with various items associated with witchcraft practices. The suspects were also found to be in Kenya illegally, without valid travel documents, visas, or permits.  During their court appearance, detective Peter Maritim requested detention orders, asking that the python be handed over to the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) for safe custody at the National Museums of Kenya. 

“Your Honour, 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,” Detective Maritim told  honourable Marryline Cherotich. 

He added that further interrogation of the suspects was required and that the file would be forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecutions. The court was informed that the suspects posed a flight risk, having no fixed abode in Kenya. 

Hon. Cherotich granted the orders sought.