A Case Study for Egbe Orun: The Tragic Life of Kalief Browder

Years ago, I watched a Netflix documentary series about the tragic life of Kalief Browder. This story was heartbreaking because of the pain and trauma this young man endured throughout his short life. But it was also depressing because much of what Kalief went through could have probably been prevented with the proper spiritual intervention. As such, I am using this post to explain how Kalief Browder’s life presents as a case study for Egbe Orun. 

While it’s impossible to say at this point, it’s likely that Kalief Browder was not properly connected with his astral mates. Many of the challenges he faced and his eventual tragic end are common issues that arise when an individual has Egbe Orun issues. As I’ve discussed in other posts, these groups of spirits are our celestial companions who oversee various aspects of our lives. They are, in essence, a society of peers we were once a part of before our earthly sojourn.

Of course, our connection with them doesn’t end when we come to earth. Instead, they continue to oversee our daily affairs in various ways. Their ultimate goal is to ensure that we don’t return to orun or heaven ashamed of not completing our divine mission here on earth. In many instances, individuals live a peaceful, harmonious life with the continual support of these spirits.

However, in other instances, these forces wreak havoc in the lives of certain individuals. This usually occurs when one does not fulfill promises they made to their Egbe Orun when they come to earth. It can likewise happen when someone holds a high position within this group. In such cases, our heavenly peers can make it very apparent that they wish for our return to heaven.   

Updated on January 28, 2026

A Case Study for Egbe Orun

Egbe orun manifests differently in each of our lives. However, tell-tale signs that one has issues with their Egbe Orun is a life filled with trauma and tragedy, which brings us to the case of Kalief Browder. As stated, I have not done any form of checking to determine the root of Kalief’s hardships.

However, as I watched the series about this young man, I had a strong feeling that Kalief’s Egbe Orun were disturbing his life. So, I decided to explore this concept in more depth and present it in this post. My goal is to bring more awareness to those who may be suffering from similar situations.  

Early Life

From the start, Kalief Browder endured hardships as he was born to a drug-addicted mother. At birth, he was placed with Child Protective Services, where he was later adopted by another family. At the tender age of 16, this young man was charged with third-degree grand larceny for crashing a stolen bakery truck while joyriding. 

Though he initially pled guilty, he later recanted, indicating that he was just a bystander. Either way, he was charged as an adult in that state of New York. As a result, he was placed on probation and listed as a youthful offender for these charges.  

These are classic symptoms of Egbe Orun. Sadly, many individuals often face early childhood trauma when they aren’t properly aligned with their astral mates. Parental rejection in some form or another is likewise common in such instances. Sometimes, it occurs through a child not being raised by their biological parents. However, it can likewise happen through abuse and neglect by one’s biological family. Oftentimes, these individuals come from very dysfunctional homes. 

Even more, they sometimes get in trouble during their youth and throughout their lives. Issues in their youth can result from their own mischievous behavior. However, in other instances, an individual’s astral mates can do things that the person may be wrongly blamed for. In either case, their heavenly companions may have a hand in their inappropriate conduct. This typically occurs when one’s heavenly mates are attempting to get the person’s attention.

Unjust Arrest 

The next year, on May 15, 2010, Browder encountered the criminal justice system again, only under more dire circumstances. This time, he was apprehended for the theft of Roberto Bautista’s backpack, which allegedly contained a camera, $700, a credit card, and an iPod Touch. Kaleif denied the claims and volunteered to be searched. The police didn’t find anything on him during the time of the search.

However, Bautista identified Browder and his friend as the thieves from the back seat of a police car. Though his account of the incident varied with differing dates. Likewise, some accounts indicated that the robbery may not have been successful. Even so, Browder was taken to the 48th Precinct, fingerprinted, and then to Bronx County Criminal Court for processing. 

Seventeen hours later, he was interrogated and charged with robbery, grand larceny, and assault. His probation status prevented his release. Although his bail was set at $3,000, a probation violation hold meant he remained in custody. As such, Browder was sent to Rikers Island to await trial. 

Prison Term

During his stint on Rikers Island, Browder endured the harsh reality of prison life. He was brutally attacked by prison guards and inmates alike. During his time on Rikers Island, he was sentenced to solitary confinement a number of times, where he spent nearly two years of his term. He alleged that correction officers beat him during his showers while serving time in solitary.

Solitary confinement is another symptom of Egbe Orun problems. These spirits are notorious for confining an individual to a life of seclusion. Of course, solitary confinement refers specifically to the penal system in this instance. However, many individuals suffering from issues with their astral mates endure the same fate in daily life. 

In some cases, these energies don’t want their earthly mates to be around others. This occurs for many reasons. However, it is often linked to one having a spiritual spouse who can be quite possessive. Spiritual mates sometimes don’t want their earthly peers around others for fear that their earthly mate will lose affection for them. 

Also, sometimes, this happens when a person’s heavenly mate wants the person to long to come back to heaven. They make their life circumstances so miserable that the person may think about or do things to initiate their return to orun. In this case, Kalief’s difficulties in prison, including being attacked and solitarily confined, served this function.  

Trial Delays

Brendan O’Meara was appointed as Browder’s public defender. Despite Browder maintaining his innocence, his case faced repeated delays due to a backlog at the Bronx County District Attorney’s office. His trial was repeatedly deferred for over two years as the prosecution requested more time. 

After 961 days in Rikers Island and numerous court appearances, Judge Patricia DiMango offered him immediate release. This was in exchange for him pleading guilty to misdemeanors, which he declined. Eventually, prosecutors revealed the victim had left the country and couldn’t testify. This ultimately led to the case’s dismissal and Browder’s release on May 29, 2013.

Civil Rights Suit

Once he was released, Browder and his brother decided to take legal action against the system. In November 2013, he filed a suit against the New York City Police Department, the Bronx District Attorney, and the Department of Corrections. The suit claimed that there had been a malicious prosecution and the court had been misled about the prosecution’s readiness for trial. It was also noted that the prosecution knew they would not have a witness when Bautista returned to Mexico. 

Learn More About Egbe Orun

If you’re ready to dive deeper into Egbe Orun’s energy and how it shapes destiny and daily life, explore the following resources:

• Beginner Guide: Egbe Orun in the Ifá Religion Learn how Egbe Orun represents your celestial companions and the spiritual community that supports your earthly journey.
• Advanced Study: Appeasing Egbe Orun for Improved Well-Being Discover how maintaining balance with your heavenly society enhances balance, fulfillment, and alignment with destiny.
• Masterclass: Egbe Orun: Origin, Worship, and Ritual Practices Enroll to explore the deeper mysteries of Egbe Orun and learn how to strengthen your connection with your astral mates.

Life After Prison

Browder attempted to improve his life after this ordeal. He passed the GED and enrolled in Bronx Community College. He engaged in programs designed to reintegrate him back into society. Overall, he faired well in these endeavors. He even worked as a math tutor and security guard for a while.

His life seemed to be getting back on track. However, he continuously suffered from severe depression and mental illness. His family reported that he dealt with extreme paranoia after his release. He even cited incidences when he talked to himself in public. He indicated that he felt severe embarrassment from these situations as people would stare at him. 

Siloloquy or self-talk is a telltale sign of Egbe Orun issues. Individuals facing challenges with this group of spirits often unwittingly talk to themselves, or so it appears. Actually, they are communicating with their Egbe team. Though others and oftentimes even they aren’t aware of this. Such behaviors are often seen among the unhoused population because many of these individuals are dealing with Egbe issues as well.  

Suicidal Ideations

These situations resulted in Kalief experiencing frequent suicide ideations. In fact, he attempted suicide on multiple occasions when incarcerated and after his release. Sadly, on June 6, 2015, he succeeded by hanging himself from an air conditioning unit outside his bedroom window.  

Unfortunately, this tragic ending is often faced by many individuals dealing with Egbe Orun issues. They suffer so severely in this existence that life seems unbearable, leading them to end their life. Though it may seem harsh, this is the ultimate goal of their astral mates – to get them to orun by making life difficult on earth.

But it doesn’t have to be this way. When an individual understands what’s going on, they can take measures to appease their Egbe Orun. In doing so, they can find relief. Appeasing Egbe Orun involves various rituals and processes designed to placate these spiritual forces. 

However, we are all different, so such ritual work can vary greatly from person to person. The only way to truly know what to do is through divination. This step gives one the information they need to fulfill broken promises to their Egbe Orun. Many people have done so and been able to live long, happy lives thereafter.  

Egbe Orun Awareness

Whether Kalief’s issues were directly related to Egbe Orun or not, I share this post to bring light to the broader issue at hand. It is imperative that people suffering from issues caused by their astral mates become aware of these spirits. Such knowledge can literally save and transform their lives. 

It equips them with the tools they need to take the proper steps to overcome these issues. It also prevents tragic life events such as the ones described in Kalief Browder’s case. Even if his Egbe weren’t plaguing his life, he was dealing with many spiritual issues. These concerns could have been resolved with the proper intervention. Sadly, he wasn’t able to avail such resources. Most likely this was due to lack of knowledge.

However, others can change their circumstances when they have proper awareness. So, if you or someone you know is suffering from similar issues, consider Ifa divination or another form of spiritual reading. Through such devices, you can learn more about how to overcome Egbe Orun and other spiritual issues. 

Want to Learn More About Egbe Orun?

If you are seeking a deeper understanding of how Egbe Orun are recognized and addressed within the Ifá tradition, the following Asanee resources provide greater insight:

• Egbe Orun: Signs, Symptoms, and Synchronicities
• Spiritual Spouse Explained: Signs, Symptoms, and Synchronicities
• Egbe Orun Explained: The Role of Your Astral Mates According to Ifá
• Egbe Orun: Rituals, Ceremonies, and Initiation in the Ifá Tradition

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