The mother of a young woman who left the United States to join a group led by a self-styled King in Scotland has urged UK officials to intervene, describing her daughter as ‘vulnerable.’
Kaura Taylor, 21, was reported missing in June after disappearing from her aunt’s house in Texas. It was later discovered that she had relocated to Scotland, living with a group called the ‘Kingdom of Kubala,’ which claims to be a ‘lost African tribe’ attempting to reclaim ancestral lands.
Melba Whitehead, 45, recounted that before Kaura’s departure, she aspired to be a lawyer and was a sociable straight-A student.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Kaura became more withdrawn and began seeing a psychologist in 2021. Upon her return to school, her teachers noted a change in her demeanor. By January, she had a falling out with her mother and moved in with her aunt.
Despite having a scholarship to law school, Kaura opted to pursue cosmetology in Dallas. A year later, she was introduced to the Kingdom of Kubala by her child’s father, and she left the US to join them on May 25.
Her aunt, Vandora Skinner, mentioned that Kaura attempted to persuade her ex-boyfriend to join the group, but he was deterred by what he described as ‘ungodly rituals.’
Now known as ‘Asnat of Atehene’ and ‘Lady Safi,’ Kaura resides in a forested area near Jedburgh, roughly 40 miles from Edinburgh.
Melba Whitehead has expressed concern, labeling the group a ‘cult’ and alleging that Kaura has been ‘brainwashed’ by its leaders, Jean Gasho (Queen Nandi) and Kofi Offeh (King Atehene).
Whitehead is also concerned about the possibility of Kaura being pregnant again, following a social media video where she mentioned becoming a surrogate for Nandi.
In an interview, Whitehead stated, “This cult is crazy. They pose a threat to everyone around them. I don’t want my daughter dead.” She criticized the Scottish government’s refusal to grant her custody of her granddaughter, who had previously been removed from the group by authorities. She urged the authorities to take action, insisting both her daughter and granddaughter should return to Texas.
Whitehead emphasized, “I need them to open their eyes and take a look at what Kaura is doing and who she’s with.”
The Scottish Borders Council has collaborated with the police on the matter, providing advice and information on housing and support services.
Despite her family’s concerns, Taylor has asserted that she is not a ‘helpless child.’ In a Facebook post, she stated, “I’m very happy with my King and Queen, I was never missing, I fled a very abusive, toxic family.” She has asked UK authorities to ‘leave her alone.’