STUDENT DROPS OUT OVER FACEMASKS.

Three students in Ibote Tharaka Nithi County were arrested for choosing to drop out of secondary school  to avoid wearing a facemask to school.

According to the 3 students, and their parents, wearing of facemasks, which is the government’s Covid-19 prevention measure, goes against their religious beliefs.

Two of the students are from Turima Hill Secondary School, while the other student is from Kajiampau Secondary School. The three are staunch believers and followers of Kabonokia Church.

The Students alongside their parents were arrested and taken to Marimanti Police Station awaiting arraignment in court.

According to the area Assistant Chief Mauki Mutegi, the three girls dropped out after school resumed having told the teachers that wearing of facemask is sinful.

“The girls told teachers that they could not wear facemasks because it’s sinful and that the illness (Covid-19) targets sinners,” said Mr Mauki.

The Assistant Chief warned parents arguing that no school-going child will be allowed to remain at home.

Known for their strong religious convictions, the Kabonokia sect is no stranger to controversy, with some of their beliefs clashing with government directives.

Some of the believers and followers of the Kabonokia Church often discourage their followers from having their children immunised or even attending hospital when sick.

The government has been tough on religious sects that intentionally avoided taking their children to school on grounds that education contravenes their faith.

Some of the religions have gone to the extent of avoiding to participate in elections or acquire national identity cards.

Source: Kenyans.co.ke