Sect Members Ordered to Pull Down Bunkers

Nairobi, Kenya - Members of the House of Yahweh sect were yesterday ordered to demolish the bunkers where they have been living.

Public health and children's departments officers said the bunkers were unsuitable for human habitation and posed health hazard to occupants, especially children.

Mauche division public health officer Fredrick Bwire served the members with a notice to demolish the bunkers in a week failure to which they would be arrested and prosecuted.

Police officers had been deployed to provide security to health officials and those from the Children's department.

Mr Bwire was accompanied by chiefs and police officers.

He said the bunkers could collapse any time.

The public health officer told the sect members that his department was not opposed to their faith but was concerned about the state of the bunkers which posed a threat their health.

He then advised them to obtain proper construction plans approved by his department.

He accused them of violating the Public Health Act which requires that one consults public health officers before putting up any structures.

Nakuru district medical officer of health George Ngatiri said the Health ministry had powers to force them out of the bunkers.

Sect leader Moshe Sang declined to talk to journalists.