This archive report was first published on 11 October 2019.
Published on October 11, 2019, a West Pokot preacher, Samwel Kalwari, has been arrested for forcing children to abandon school for his church where they worship while naked.
According to reports, Kalwari, who now calls himself Eliya, claims he was directed by God to abandon his job and start “serving him.”
As a nurse by profession, Kalwari does not allow his followers to seek medical treatment in hospitals, instead, they are expected to rely on his spiritual guidance for healing.
His wife, Penina Lomatum, revealed that Kalwari left home in January 2017, and since then, he has not returned to visit their children, citing his new role as a pastor.
Penina expressed concern over the church's activities, asking the government to investigate and ascertain whether it is registered.
She also requested the government to hasten investigations so that Kalwari can return to his job and support their young children.
Meanwhile, Kipkomo subcounty commandant Mohamed Kofa confirmed the arrest of Kalwari and the parents of the affected children, stating that they are carrying out investigations to understand the church's practices.
Kofa emphasized the importance of ensuring that all school-going children are in school and warned parents who fail to do so that they will be arrested and prosecuted.
