SDA pastor arrested as 10 children are found in Kisii lodging

The rescue operation brought tension in the area as curious residents demanded to know the motive behind the secret detention of the minors amid speculations of cultic involvement.

Residents stormed the facility after news went round that 10 minors were detained there by unknown individuals.

Police officers later arrived at the scene and rescued the 10 children aged between 4 and 10, looked emaciated. The minors told authorities that they hail from Marsabit..

According to witnesses, the children were brought to the lodging by two individuals.

“They came the other day at around 6.00 pm. They were making many calls,” Teresa Bonareri, the lodging attendant said.

DCI officers are holding the Adventist preacher, who claimed that he had ferried the minors to Kisii town to provide them with better living conditions. 

According to Kisii Police commander Charles Kases, the suspects said the children were on transit to Eberege SDA church in Kenyenya. 

“We have received calls from Marsabit saying the children were brought here illegally. No procedure was followed,” Kases said. 

However, the SDA church leadership in Kisii County has distanced itself from claims that it had offered to assist the minors by providing them with a rescue home. 

The detectives are trying to establish whether the secret detention of the minors is linked to a child trafficking syndicate.