Kenya - Health authorities in Eastern province want a Kavonokya religious sect proscribed for putting the health of their adherents at stake.
The Provincial Public health officer Carol Ndegwa demanded the banning of the sect following the death of 11 children from families that ascribe to the faith in Kanzui and Ngoo areas of Mwingi East recently.
Speaking in Mwingi at the weekend, Ndegwa lamented that the children died after their parents who died of measles after their Kavonokya sect parents failed to take them for medication or immunization as it was allegedly against their faith.
She said it was the constitutional right of all Kenyans to have good health and access to medical care. She warned that people who violate the constitution by denying children access to health care on account of religion would be arrested and prosecuted.
Ndegwa also pointed out that her public health department had the lawful right to crack down of sick people who shun going to hospital and forcefully take them for medication. "The government provides free treatment to measles and there is no reason why children should die due to their parents ignorant believes," said the public health officer. She was speaking at yoongoni village, Wingemi ward, Nuu division in Mwingi East were she was the chief guest during the international toilets day celebration for Kitui County.
The function was organized by the Catholic Dioceses of Kitui. She praised the residents for maintaining high standards of cleanliness in their homes by constructing both temporary and modern latrines. She said there was need for the nearby like Yatwa, Kandwia and Kawelu to emulate Yoongoni neighbours. "This is a model village and I am impressed by the exemplary work. It is strange because a couple of months ago this area had only two latrines. I am impressed that at the moment there is a latrine in each of the 44 households," she said adding that was also impressed by the hand washing mechanism used.
The District Officer James Muiruri encouraged chiefs to continue mobilizing the community to increase the visibility of latrines to curtail the spread on contagious ailments. He added that it were time spouses shunned infidelity to avoid the killer disease HIV/AIDS. Ends......... Photo Caption -The Provincial Public Health officer Carol Ndegwa addressing the world Toilet day celebrants. -A Yoongoni villager Katumbu Musele demonstrates how to wash hands after using a toilet.