allAfrica.com Kenya Parents Call for a Ghost Buster (Page 1 of 1)
Kenya: Parents Call for a Ghost Buster
The East African Standard (Nairobi)
January 31, 2007
Posted to the web January 31, 2007
Mutinda Mwanzia
Nairobi
Parents want a famed Tanzanian ghost buster invited to cleanse a school that has been closed over witchcraft.
Students of Tala High School in Kangundo District were sent home on Tuesday following claims that ghosts were molesting them.
Some parents are pointing the finger at a leading Ukambani political activist.
On Monday, a sack full of assorted witchcraft paraphernalia was recovered from students' boxes. On parents said they want the exorcist, Prof Maji Marefu, to cleanse the school.
Marefu has in the past three years exorcised ghosts in schools and homes in Ukambani. "We want him to come and make the school safe for our children," a parent told The Standard at the school.
Contacted by The Standard for comment, Marefu said he was willing to do the work. But the demand by parents is likely to put them into a collision course with the official sponsor of the school, the Catholic Church.
Clergy from Tala Catholic Church burnt the paraphernalia and destroyed weird drawings and powder recovered from the students.
Machakos Catholic Bishop Martin Kivuva said devil worshipping in schools must be stemmed.
And, while other parents want more prayers held before students can be recalled, the Principal, Mr Samuel Chepkole, quickly announced that the board would meet to set the re-opening date.
Sounds like the Church could handle any needed "exorcism":
At the door, a principal to inspect bags etc.; a priest to sprinkle the students with holy water as they enter; and a nun with a supply of rulers to handle any who object or make trouble.
Expel any caught with contraband.