This archive report was first published on 14 August 2019.
On August 14, 2019, leaders of the Kabonokia sect, who have been at odds with education and security officials in Tharaka Nithi and Meru Counties, announced that they would allow their children to return to school under certain conditions.
The sect's leader, Mr. Gitonga M'Mpunguru, who was later arrested along with his assistant, stated that they would not permit their children to be taught about sexuality, as it would lead them astray and tempt them to engage in sex at a young age.
"There is no way we will allow our daughters to be taught these subjects since they will take them away from the word of God," Mr. Gitonga said.
He emphasized that he was not opposed to education in general and had even served as a school chairman in the past.
However, he insisted that teachers in areas where the sect's churches are located must be aware of the laws governing children who adhere to their faith and refrain from teaching them anything that could lead them astray.
Mr. Gitonga also expressed concerns about the dress code for girls, citing an incident where a teacher died after caning a student for wearing a headgear and a long dress.
He declared that the sect would not be deterred by the possibility of arrest, as they were standing up for their faith and would even use the opportunity to preach to prisoners and police officers.
"We are not afraid of being arrested as long as we are following God's law. We will even get time to preach to the prisoners and even police officers and baptise those who will repent while serving our sentences if it will come to that," Mr. Gitonga said.
His comments came after chiefs in Tharaka North, Tharaka Nithi County, were given 21 days to locate approximately 300 pupils who had dropped out of school due to the sect's influence.
