A Nanyuki court has ordered the probation department to prepare a report on a pastor who allegedly tied up and locked his two sons in his house in Baraka Estate in Nanyuki town.
Senior Resident Magistrate Evanson Bett further ordered that the children, aged nine and 12, be put under close supervision for six months after the pastor claimed they were exhibiting delinquent behaviours.
Pastor Joseph Maina of Vision in Christ Church was arraigned in court Wednesday, where he pleaded guilty to the charges of subjecting the children to cruel treatment for two days.
He was charged that on August 10 at Mung'etho village in Laikipia County, he willfully subjected the two boys to cruel treatment by tying them with chains and ropes on their legs and hands.
The prosecution has listed the pastor's wife, Josephine Wanini, and the two sons as witnesses in the matter.
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But Maina defended his actions, saying he was only 'disciplining' the boys.
"I tied them to prevent them from going back to the streets. They always want to go to the streets to steal from passers-by," said Maina.
Pastor Maina told the court that at one time the two boys became street urchins and he had to seek the help of Administration Police officers in Majengo to take them back.
Man of God
"I am a man of God and a parent and I want the best for my children," he said. Maina said his intention was not to harm the children and asked the court to help him take them to rehabilitation centres.
Bett ruled that the matter be mentioned on August 22 when the probation report will be presented in court pending sentencing.
Maina was released on a Sh20,000 free bond pending determination of the matter.
