A Texas woman reported missing by her family has been discovered living with a self-proclaimed “lost African tribe” in the Scottish woodlands, where the group’s leader claims to be a descendant of the Messiah and rightful heir to ancient Scottish lands.
Kaura Taylor, who now calls herself Lady Safi or Asnat, was found camping with the “Kingdom of Kubala” in a forest near Jedburgh in the Scottish Borders. In a defiant video message from the camp, she declared: “To the UK authorities, obviously I am not missing. Leave me alone. I’m an adult, not a helpless child.”
The discovery comes as Scottish authorities grapple with the unusual group that claims to have established sovereignty over land they say was stolen from their ancestors 400 years ago.
The Kingdom’s Royal Court
The Kingdom of Kubala is led by 36-year-old King Atehene, formerly known as Ghanaian opera singer Kofi Offeh, his 43-year-old Zimbabwean wife Queen Nandi (previously Jean Gasho), and their handmaiden Asnat – revealed to be the missing American woman.
The trio have set up camp in the Jedburgh woodlands, living in tents without walls and bathing in nearby streams. Despite receiving eviction notices and suffering an arson attack on their camp, they refuse to recognise local authorities, claiming to follow only “the laws of their God, Yahowah.”
King Atehene made the extraordinary claim that he is a direct descendant of David the Messiah. “The prophecy said, after 400 years, when my ancestors are destroyed from the land of Scotland, from the land of Great Britain, they will go into captivity and lose their identity,” he stated. “But after 400 years, I will come and bring them back to the land of promise.”
Living Off the Grid
The group maintains they lead a simple existence, embracing nature and relying on divine providence for their daily needs. “We live a very simple life of returning to innocence,” King Atehene explained. “We connect to nature. We connect to the trees around us. We get grounded every morning. We bathe in the springwater.”
Queen Nandi, a mother of seven, elaborated on their beliefs in social media posts: “We are the Lost Tribes of Hebrews and have returned to claim Scotland as our homeland, a land stolen by Elizabeth the first 400 years ago when she deported all black people from Scotland and England, who were not Africans but natives of the land.”
She controversially claimed that “Jacobites were black, from their ancestor Jacob” and asserted that “Jerusalem is in Scotland” according to their prophet.
Persecution Claims and Local Response
The Kingdom of Kubala alleges they have faced persecution from British authorities, with their first camp reportedly “burned to ashes” by unknown assailants. King Atehene accused the government of hypocrisy, stating: “They say that culture and religion is tolerant in Great Britain, but the Kingdom of Kubala has suffered trials and tribulations at the hands of authorities, who do not understand or tolerate.”
Scottish Borders Council confirmed they have been “working with Police Scotland in relation to an illegal encampment by three occupants on council-owned property at Hartrigge near Jedburgh.” A council spokesperson added: “This has included the provision of advice and information about housing options and other support services.
According to recent reports, a notice to eject was served by sheriff officers, following which the group vacated the site. However, the Kingdom maintains their divine mission continues.
Troubled Past Emerges
Court records reveal a complex backstory for the group’s leaders. Kofi Offeh and Jean Gasho were charged with child cruelty in July 2024 at Teesside Crown Court, though the charges were later dropped. The couple had previously been reported missing from Stockton in February 2024, with police expressing concern for their welfare.
In online posts, Gasho has claimed the legal charges were orchestrated to interfere with their divine mission. The couple’s relationship dates back to 2014, when Gasho, then a struggling single mother, first saw Offeh performing at the BEFFTA awards in the UK.
Prophecy and Pilgrimage
The group insists their presence in Scotland represents a sacred pilgrimage to fulfil ancient prophecy. They claim to be establishing the “Millennium Kingdom of Kubala” as part of a “Second Exodus,” believing only those who live off-grid in tabernacles will be saved.
In bizarre scenes captured on social media, Queen Nandi was filmed fanning King Atehene with a peacock feather whilst proclaiming: “All hail the King of the North, all hail the Messiah.” Another video shows the American woman presenting offerings of Irn-Bru and shortbread to the self-proclaimed king.
International Concern
The revelation that Kaura Taylor is living with the group has raised questions about the welfare of Americans abroad. Her family in Texas had reported her missing, though she insists she is there of her own free will.
The Kingdom of Kubala represents one of the most unusual sovereignty claims in recent British history, combining elements of religious prophecy, alternative history, and off-grid living. Their leader maintains that his mission is divinely ordained, stating: “The calling from our creator to embark on this journey is the most important thing in our life. It is a journey of hope – a pilgrimage.”
As authorities continue to monitor the situation, the Kingdom of Kubala remains defiant, with King Atehene declaring: “We are here to stay and establish our authority and power, just like our ancestors did.”
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