Imagine suffering a mental breakdown or a bout of depression then being carted away to an institution not licensed to nurse you or offer aftercare treatment. This is the fate faced by those held at Holy Ghost Coptic Church. The institution masquerading as a ‘church’ based in Kisumu has over the years doubled up as a mental health facility with documented cases of patients being held in captivity in chains as they undergo ‘treatment’ and ‘delivery’ from the mental illnesses that afflict the diverse hostages held within the premises.

The Holy Ghost Coptic Church is not registered as per The Mental Health (Amendment) Act 2020 to provide  mental  care treatment, rehabilitation or preventative aftercare treatment such as counselling psychotherapy and vocational care. 

The Mental Health (Amendment) Act 2020 aims at ensuring that all persons with mental health needs receive the highest standard of care aligning with the provisions of the constitution of Kenya nya 2010 and the Health Ac, 2017.

This petition demands:

1. The immediate closure of the Holy Ghost Coptic Church for contravening The Mental Health (Amendment) Act 2020.

2. Investigation by the Kisumu Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI) on allegations that the institution is a conduit to perpetrate fraud including disinheritance and land fraud. 

3. The Kisumu County Government to expedite the establishment of a Mental Health Council that will oversee and audit Mental Healthcare Facilities in line with the Mental Health (Amendment) Act 2020.

4. The provision by Kisumu County Government to allocate funds for the provision of mental healthcare in the county budget