Sect Leader Jailed Over Jesus Claim

A sect leader has been jailed for six months for openly denouncing Jesus Christ and supporting female circumcision.

Julia Wanjiru Nduhiu of Hee Ma Ya Ngai Wi Muoyo (There is Truth in the Living God) was convicted by a Nyeri court of behaving in a manner likely to cause a breach of the peace.

She told a crowd at the matatu stage at Kiamariga trading centre in Mathira, Nyeri, that Jesus never existed and advised them to revert to Kikuyu customs and circumcise women and girls.

Wanjiru's sect is a breakaway from the Tent of the Living God of Mr Ngonya wa Gakonya, who was once her preaching partner.

The offence was committed on March 25.

Nyeri Resident Magistrate Judy Alukoye gave Wanjiru, a mother of four, the option of Sh5,000 fine. She could not immediately raise the fine.

The court was told that Wanjiru declared that the country was experiencing problems because it had abandoned Kikuyu customs and accepted Jesus, whom she described as "non-existent".

The court also heard that Wanjiru fled on seeing police.