Human right activists in Mombasa on Thursday rescued a 26-year-old woman from her Kiembeni home after her father locked her up for three years denying her medical treatment.
The father, who is said to be a reggae musician, was arrested and taken to the Kiembeni police station as police launched investigations.
Haki Africa and Sisters for Justice noted that the father had locked up her daughter because seeking medical attention went against his religious beliefs.
Haki Africa rapid response officer Mathias Shipeta told People Daily that they received a tip-off from the neighbours about the situation.
“We immediately commenced investigations on ways to rescue the woman,” Shipeta added.
The activist also noted that preliminary investigations showed that the man had joined a cult that did not believe in scientific medicine.
Shipeta further claimed that the neighbours who tipped them off were also afraid of the man due to his queer behavior.
Upon immediate interrogation by the police on the reason of detaining his daughter and denying her medical attention, the father maintained that he was being fought by evil spirits that did not want him to succeed.
He also claimed that his daughter was not ill but just suffering from depression.
Sisters of Justice official Naila Abdallah informed People Daily that the woman was taken to hospital for treatment before placement to a safe house.
“We ware taking all necessary measures in accordance with the law to ensure the safety of the woman and her daughter,” Naila added.
