By Chisomo Phiri
NAIROBI (MaraviPost)-Ethicists in Kenya have called on the government to suspend the spiritual fasting with an immediate effect.
This follows a death of a 78-year-old Christian woman Catherine Mutuku who is said to have recently died of fasting for almost three weeks.
In a statement Maravi Post has in possession, Kenya’s Ethicists President Harrison Mumia says despite that the fasting in Christianity and Islam is done primarily for spiritual purposes, it also has the potential to greatly affect one’s physical body.
Mumia says food and water consumption are essential to human life.
“Our bodies need energy from food and hydration from water to function properly. The many systems in our bodies work optimally with a varied diet and adequate water intake daily.
” Eliminating food and water intake for a significant period of time can have major negative effects on one’s health, and even lead to death,” says Mumia in a statement.
Adding, “We ask the Government to ban spiritual fasting in Kenya. The public should be sensitized on the health hazards of starving for prolonged period.
“We urge the government to regulate dangerous religious practices in Kenya”.
Fasting ( going without food and drink for a period of time) is an ancient practice and some people believe it must have existed amongst believers from the very beginning.
Catholics might give up an item or two such as sugar or soap for the 40 days of lent leading to Easter, but most people do not forgo all meals.
Fasting is also commonly found in Jewish and Islamic faiths.
