A Texas woman reported missing by her family has been found living with a self-proclaimed African Hebrew tribe in the Scottish wilderness. Kaura Taylor is serving as a handmaiden for the Kingdom of Kubala near Jedburgh, about 41 miles south of Edinburgh.
The three-person kingdom is led by King Atehene, whose real name is Kofi Offeh, a 36-year-old former opera singer from Ghana, and Queen Nandi, actually Jean Gasho from Zimbabwe. The group claims to be a lost tribe of Hebrews seeking to reclaim land they say was stolen from their ancestors 400 years ago.
Taylor asserts her independence
In a video message from the camp, Taylor directly addressed authorities: "To the UK authorities, obviously I am not missing. Leave me alone. I'm an adult, not a helpless child." It remains unclear when she left the United States or how she joined the couple's mission.
The kingdom originally settled on Scottish Borders Council property but was promptly served with an eviction notice. The group claims locals then burned down their tents before they moved to another site near a school, where King Atehene is often seen loitering outside a co-op to use its Wi-Fi.
Religious claims and lifestyle
King Atehene says they "live a very simple life of returning to innocence" and connect with nature daily. "We live in a tent without walls, but we are not afraid of anyone, for we have the protection of the creator, Yahowah," he told reporters.
The trio claims they are part of a lost Hebrew tribe whose ancestors were deported when Queen Elizabeth I removed native black Jacobites from Scotland. Atehene declares he is descended from the ancient King David and that a prophecy foretold their return after 400 years.
Previous legal troubles
The pair previously faced child cruelty charges at Teesside Crown Court, but all charges were dropped earlier this year. Gasho had also claimed that Buckingham Palace ordered her arrest to protect King Charles' coronation in 2023.
Official and community response
Scottish Borders Council and Police Scotland are working together to address the situation. A council spokesman said this has included "provision of advice and information about housing options and other support services."
Local residents have mixed reactions to the group. One resident said they "seem nice, but there's a sense of uneasiness." However, Keith Williamson noted: "The council offered them a house. They refused. Their claim on this land is what irritates everyone."
Sources used: "PA Media" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
