Man arrested for keeping children away from school

Police in Matuga, Kwale County have arrested a middle aged man for allegedly forcing his four children to drop out of school on religious grounds.
The suspect, Tumaini Hamisi from Sheep and Goats village, is a member of a controversial religious sect by the name Good News International Dominion.
According to his estranged wife Kache Nyawa, the church offers extreme doctrine by teaching that education and seeking medical treatment was evil.
“My husband’s extreme religious beliefs led to our separating because I found his behaviour odd and detrimental to our family,” said Nyawa who reported him to the police leading to his arrest.
However, an adamant Hamisi vowed not to back down saying he was ready for any consequences even going to jail in defence of his faith.
“I renounce education and healthcare because they are satanic and I would not wish my children to be subjected to either,” he said at the Matuga Police Station.
He added that his children would learn how to read the Bible through religious education and by the help of the Holy Spirit and not through formal education.
Weeping uncontrollably, his wife said ever since he converted to the sect, her husband never allowed her to take their kids to the hospital whenever they fell sick or even for immunization.
“He claims that God does not need help in healing his servants citing the sect’s teachings,” she said.
Matuga police chief Mr. Joel Chesire said the suspect would be taken to court once police investigations were over.
Chesire said they would intensify crackdown on those behind religious extremism in the area.
“We will deal firmly with parents who refuse to take their children to school or hospital due to their faith. Once caught, they will pay dearly for their illegal actions,” he warned.
He said it was every child’s right to education and medical care and more so now that the country is embracing universal education and health coverage.
The incident runs counter to the on-going campaign to attain100 percent transition from primary to secondary school in the county whose education standards have been wanting over the years.
By Constance Mwandembo/James Muchai