Veteran journalist Kitavi Mutua died after suffering a snakebite at his home in Kenya. His cousin, Cyrus Kithele, has alleged that Mutua's death was caused by delayed medical care, which was influenced by the family's association with the Kavonokya religious sect. According to Kithele, Mutua spent three weeks at home without conventional medical treatment due to the sect's beliefs.
The Kavonokya sect allegedly discourages its followers from seeking treatment in hospitals or using conventional medicine. Kithele claimed that Mutua's condition worsened during this time, and he was eventually taken to a hospital in Kitui, but it was too late to save him. The allegations have not been independently verified, and the exact medical circumstances of Mutua's death have not been publicly established.
Kithele expressed frustration and grief over Mutua's death, stating that the snakebite itself was not necessarily what caused his cousin's death, but rather the delay in seeking medical care due to the sect's beliefs. He argued that earlier medical intervention could have changed the outcome. Mutua had reportedly covered stories about snakebites in Kitui County, documenting the dangers faced by people living in areas where encounters with snakes can have deadly consequences.
The irony of Mutua's situation has sparked painful questions among his colleagues and friends, who are struggling to understand how a journalist who had helped bring attention to the dangers of snakebites could allegedly go for weeks without receiving medical treatment after suffering a snakebite himself. Many are questioning how many of Mutua's colleagues and close associates were aware of his family's religious beliefs and the possible influence they had on decisions about medical care.
Kithele also claimed that the family had suffered other deaths over the years that he believed could have been prevented through timely medical treatment. He alleged that three children died on the same day more than two decades ago, and their mother, who was Mutua's aunt, later died from health complications that he believed could have been managed with basic medication. These claims have not been independently verified.
The debate has raised difficult questions about where the line should be drawn between religious freedom, personal choice, and the duty to protect life. Many are calling for closer scrutiny of religious movements whose teachings may discourage followers from seeking life-saving medical care. They argue that the freedom to worship should not allow practices that place lives at risk or prevent people from accessing essential treatment.
Kithele has urged the government to investigate religious organisations accused of promoting harmful beliefs and to take action where people's lives may be endangered. He drew comparisons with the Shakahola tragedy and posed questions about why the state had not taken action to prevent such incidents. The government has a responsibility to protect citizens while respecting their constitutional right to freedom of religion.
Key points
- The Kavonokya sect's influence on medical care is being questioned after Kitavi Mutua's death.
- Mutua's family and colleagues are seeking answers about the delay in seeking medical care.
- The incident has raised concerns about the need for closer scrutiny of religious movements that may discourage followers from seeking life-saving medical care.
