In Naivasha, Kenya, a religious sect known as Kanitha Wa Ngai is under severe scrutiny following the tragic deaths of four children in the last four months. These incidents occurred as a result of the parents’ refusal to seek medical treatment for their children, adhering instead to the group’s extreme religious beliefs that denounce modern medicine.

Members of the Church of God sect, as it’s also known, have been practicing their faith in Maiella, Naivasha, without the use of modern medicine, resulting in silent suffering and undiagnosed illnesses among many, including minors. The public outcry has grown, urging authorities to investigate and possibly shut down the institution if it’s found to be promoting harmful cult-like teachings.

Recent distressing events have highlighted the sect’s practices. Four sick children were rescued from the sect’s compound, while four others were reportedly buried within the same compound under mysterious circumstances after falling ill and passing away. Gilbert Njuguna, a local whose wife converted to the sect, lamented the loss of one of his children who was buried on the compound the same day he died, highlighting the sect’s profound rejection of medical intervention. Instead, members engage in fervent prayers, shunning hospitals and medical care.

The sect’s activities, particularly concerning children’s welfare, have raised alarm. Many children of the sect’s adherents reportedly leave school after Standard Eight, choosing to follow the religious path laid out by their parents and the church’s teachings. The sect’s stance on medical treatment is unwavering; they believe in seeking divine healing through prayer rather than medical intervention. This belief extends to childbirth, with many women giving birth at home without medical assistance.

The Church of God has been active since 2016, and its controversial practices often come to light during national health campaigns like polio or measles immunizations, when members prevent health workers from vaccinating their children. The sect’s membership has been increasing steadily, leading to more children being denied medical care and suffering as a result.

Calls for an urgent investigation into the sect’s activities have been amplified, especially given the similarities to the recent Shakahola massacre in Kilifi, where followers of another controversial preacher fasted to death with the promise of meeting Jesus. The Naivasha community and concerned citizens are urging the government to intervene before more lives are lost to the radical beliefs of such groups.

Despite past arrests and imprisonments of sect members for refusing medical treatment for their children, the group remains steadfast in their faith, with many rejoining the church upon release. The tragic situation in Naivasha is a stark reminder of the lethal consequences that can arise when extreme religious beliefs intersect with health and wellbeing, particularly of vulnerable children. As the community calls for action, the hope is that these incidents will prompt a response to prevent further loss of life and ensure the protection of children’s rights to health and life.

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