Woman gets to keep her religion, for now

By Martin Mutua

A 25-year-old woman got a reprieve after a High Court issued orders to stop anyone from interfering with her affairs.

This means Ms Sophie Naliaka Kibanani will go on with life as usual pending hearing of a case her parents have lodged claiming members of Opus Dei organisation have confined her.

"In the interim period, no one should interfere with affairs of Sophie, and I mean no one — not the police, her parents or clan," ordered Justice Daniel Musinga. Naliaka’s parents, Dr Charles Kibanani Ngome and Helen Maindi Kibanani have filed a case at the High Court claiming their daughter is illegally in confinement of Opus Dei, which they believe is a secretive Catholic organisation.

Naliaka told the judge she was of sound mind and had joined Opus Dei as a numerary member on December 11, 2008.

Through her advocate, Mr James Nyiha she had filed an application seeking to set aside the order directing that she be produced in court.

Her parents have sued the Attorney General, Director of Public Prosecution, Commissioner of Police, Strathmore Education Trust Registered Trustees, Irene Ngunjiri, the Director Fanusi Study Centre and Otero Espanola alias Maria, the Director of Keri House.

Naliaka’s lawyer also sought for orders protecting her from being harassed.

The case will be heard on October 24.