Children's Home Founder Accuses Department of Children Isinya of Disrupting Operations, Calls for Government Intervention

Joshua Mutuku, the founder of Sprouting Again Children's Home in Kitengela, has publicly accused the Department of Children in Isinya of engaging in actions that have severely disrupted the operations of his facility. According to Mutuku, these disruptions are driven by personal interests within the department, with the most alarming incident being the forceful removal of 85 children from his care, who were subsequently placed in other children's homes in Ngong without his consent.

Speaking to the media at the children's home in Kitengela on Monday, Mutuku recounted the history and mission of Sprouting Again Children's Home, which he established in 2016 with just three children. Over the years, the home has grown significantly, becoming a haven for many vulnerable children in the region. However, Mutuku claims that this progress has been under threat since the start of this year due to unwarranted interference by officials from the Isinya Department of Children.

Mutuku explained that the department began demanding payments under the guise of registration fees, yet he has received no official documentation or results from the money paid. The situation escalated when he was taken to court on allegations of child trafficking—a charge he vehemently denies. Despite being cleared of all charges, the ordeal left him and the children's home in a precarious situation.

During the legal proceedings, officials from the Isinya Department of Children removed 85 children from the home and transferred them to other children's homes. Mutuku describes this action as traumatic and unlawful, carried out without proper documentation or justification. Despite his court victory, the children have not been returned, despite his repeated appeals to the authorities.

Mutuku further revealed that this incident has taken a heavy toll on both him and the children who remain at the home. He emphasized that many of the children who were taken were between the ages of 2 and 12—a critical period for their education and emotional development. Since their relocation, Mutuku has learned that some of these children have stopped attending school, which he fears will have long-term consequences on their futures.

The founder, who has dedicated his life to caring for vulnerable children, expressed profound sorrow over the disruption of the children's home, which he considers not just an institution but a family. He noted that the remaining children are also deeply affected by the separation from their peers, with some expressing anxiety and sadness over the absence of their "brothers and sisters."

Mutuku did not hold back in accusing certain individuals within the Isinya Department of Children of using their government positions for personal gain. He believes that these officials are exploiting their power to target his children's home, thereby destabilizing the progress he has made over the years. He called on the government and relevant authorities to step in and thoroughly investigate the matter, ensuring that justice is served and the children are returned to the place they call home.

In a heartfelt plea, Mutuku urged the authorities to prioritize the welfare of the children. He stressed that the continued separation from the home and their peers is not only disruptive to their education but is also causing significant emotional distress. The children, he added, have repeatedly asked when their "family" will be reunited—a question he is unable to answer without the intervention of the authorities.

As the situation stands, Joshua Mutuku and the remaining children at Sprouting Again Children's Home are left waiting, hoping that their calls for justice will be heard and that the children who were taken will be returned safely. The founder remains committed to his mission of caring for vulnerable children but is now seeking the support of the government and the wider community to protect his home and the children who depend on it.

When RADA TV reached out to the In-Charge of the Department of Children in Isinya, Madam Virginia, she stated, "I'm an individual officer. I don't know anything about the Sprouting case. You can follow up the matter with our top authorities."

Former In-Charge Officer of the Department of Children in Isinya, Madam Esther Mogucha, who is alleged to have received Ksh 3,200 and Ksh 50,000 from Joshua Mutuku to register the school, responded to RADA TV with, "I'm no longer in Isinya," before abruptly hanging up.

Joshua Mutuku claims that the department has been threatening to close down the children's home for reasons that appear to be driven by self-interest.