Police in Timau, Meru County, are investigating a distressing case involving the alleged confinement and exploitation of ten young girls at a local church.
The girls, aged between 9 and 10 years old, were reportedly held under the guise of religious training since 2016.
The investigation was initiated following information provided by concerned members of the public, prompting authorities to swiftly intervene and rescue the girls from the Gospel of God Church International.
Buuri West Sub-county police commander, James Musyimi, while confirming the incident, described the situation as alarming and stated that the security team intervened upon receiving the tip-off.
"Yesterday, we had some information about a facility holding some minors, and it prompted the reaction of the security apparatus," said Musyimi.
He added, "We visited the facility and discovered our 10 minors confined, raising suspicion that their rights might have been violated. The facility is being run by a church referred to as Gospel of God Church International, and the matter is under investigation."
The ten girls have been relocated to the Timau Police Station as investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding their confinement.
Allegations have emerged suggesting that the girls were subjected to indoctrination tactics, including misinformation aimed at preventing them from pursuing further education.
Section 53 of the Human Rights Bill enshrines the fundamental rights of every child, ensuring their entitlement to a range of protections and opportunities.
These include the right to free and compulsory basic education, shielding them from abuse, neglect, harmful cultural practices, all forms of violence, inhuman treatment, and punishment, as well as hazardous or exploitative labour.
Additionally, it stipulates that children should not be detained except as a measure of last resort, and if detained, they should be held in conditions that uphold their dignity and well-being.
This incident has shaken the local community, coming at a time when the nation is still reeling from the aftermath of the Shakahola massacre, which claimed the lives of 429 people.
The alleged cult leader, Paul Nthenge Mackenzie, and 29 associates have been charged with the murder of 191 children, whose bodies were discovered among the hundreds buried in the Shakahola forest.
Autopsies conducted on the victims revealed harrowing details, with the majority of the 429 deceased individuals succumbing to hunger. However, disturbingly, some, including children, showed signs of having been strangled, beaten, or suffocated.
The government started releasing the bodies of the deceased this week.
