We will not tolerate illegal cults, Kiambu CC warns

Kiambu,

Friday October 6, 2023

KNA by Wangari Ndirangu

Kiambu County Commissioner Joshua Nkanatha has put on notice cult-like groups, propagating Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and also encouraging polygamy in the County.

He specifically named the ‘Gwata Ndai’ sect in Kiambu, which was recently banned by the government for promoting outdated and harmful practices.

Flanked by Kiama kia ma cultural pillar of the Kikuyu Council of Elders, who had paid him a courtesy call to support the government in banning various religious sects that have been engaged in unconstitutional activities, Nkanatha warned that those operating such groups will face the law.

The county commissioner warned the group to cease their operations and affirmed the government's commitment in protecting the community from harmful practices saying that security teams will be on the lookout and will not entertain anybody, found engaging in harmful practices.

"We as the government are totally against these practices. The issue of FGM is outlawed in this country. These are the issues that we have already fought and eradicated and others want to take us back," said Nkanatha.

The county commissioner’s remarks come barely days after the government banned “Mihiriga Kenda religious sect activities for operating without proper registration and promoting outdated and harmful practices.

Two weeks ago, a tragic incident occurred in the County, where a learned man from Githunguri and believed to be a member of the sect killed his mother and then committed suicide over a disagreement about the sect’s activities.

Police in Githunguri raided the sect headquarters that targeted “Gwata Ndai”, “Nyumba ya Mumbi” and “Kenda Muihuru” cults whose teachings violate the constitutions.

“They have been unable to renew the certificates and are operating illegally. I am sending a warning to them that the way things are and stand, they should cease their operations forthwith,” warned the County Commisioner.

At the same time, Nkanatha urged communities in Kiambu to reject and shun anybody or any group trying to introduce harmful cultural practices, but instead embrace education.

The county commissioner also addressed the prevalence of illicit brews and urged the elders to talk about it as it was endangering the youth of the county.

“We should not allow the youth of this county to be finished by people out to just make money. I am happy and very excited with the support we are getting from our political leaders, our president, the deputy president, all the way to the MCAs,” Nkanatha said.

Shamte Munyua, County Chairman of Kiama Ki ama, a cultural group, thanked the national government for their swift interjection and promised that they would work hand in hand to ensure that the laws are implemented.

“Kiama Kia Ama has no affiliation or any connections to these cultic groups. We are committed to following the law passed down from elders and from our ancestors. If one breaks the law they should be reported to the authorities,” he added.

The chairman noted that some of the said sect groups have been going around portraying themselves as one of the Kiama groups from the Agikuyu community, but teaching contrary beliefs.

On the other hand, the Kiama kia ma patron Captain Kung’u Muigai, however cast aspersions calling out on churches not to smear their name in a bad light.

He claimed that some churches in Kiambu have been speaking ill of the Kiama group instead of supporting the government in shunning the said religious sects that are propagating FGM. 

“The church leaders have been quiet on these matters, especially on the malpractices. They should stop speaking ill of a legitimate group like the Kiama Kia Ama as some of our family members also attend their churches and instead help the government fight the vice” he said.

During Thursday’s Meeting, the County Commissioner was flanked by members of the Security team as well as the Kiama Kiama Council of Elder members.

Courtesy; KNA