Naivasha, Kenya – Government officials in Naivasha have shut down a church amid serious allegations that the death of four children was linked to their parents’ refusal to seek medical help due to religious beliefs. The ‘Church of God’ in Maella, Naivasha, has been the focus of controversy after the arrest of three members and a public outcry over their actions.

According to Kenya News Agency, this year alone, four children died due to parental neglect after falling ill, with three reportedly buried on the church’s premises. Kisilu has ordered the closure of the church pending a police investigation into these deaths and the alleged failure of parents to fulfill their duties.

The police have initiated a search for the church’s pastor, who fled following demands for his arrest over accusations of indoctrinating members against seeking medical services. Furthermore, Kisilu revealed that police and locals have rescued four sick minors, suffering from pneumonia and malnutrition, and taken them to a nearby hospital.

“We are pursuing the church leader who has fled the area after details emerged that some of the dead minors were buried in the church compound in unclear circumstances,” stated the DCC. He added that the detained church members would face charges in court in Naivasha for neglecting their children and failing to provide necessary medical care.

The church, established in 2016 with only four members, has grown to 26. There are increasing calls for regulation of its activities to prevent further indoctrination that impedes members from seeking healthcare services.

Gilbert Njuguna, an area elder and Community Health Promoter, shared a personal account of his suffering after his child died under mysterious circumstances and was quickly buried while he was away. His wife, a convert to the Church of God, became estranged from him due to her involvement with the church. Njuguna urged authorities to investigate and shut down the church, emphasizing the need to protect children’s access to essential health services, including immunizations.

Stephen Muthua, a representative for the area MP, expressed concern that without thorough investigation, more children might suffer. “We want this church to be investigated to ensure that what happened in Shakahola in Kilifi where hundreds of believers died is not repeated,” Muthua stated.

The closure of the Church of God in Naivasha marks a critical response by authorities to safeguard children’s welfare and prevent further incidents of neglect attributed to religious indoctrination.