Kikuyu, Kiambu, August 9, 2023 - The Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA), Thogoto, has launched a comprehensive investigation in response to distressing revelations concerning the alleged mistreatment of elderly residents at the PCEA Thogoto Care Home for the Aged, situated in Kikuyu, Kiambu County.

Probing Disturbing Allegations

Prompted by alarming reports of mistreatment that surfaced on social media, the PCEA Thogoto Care Home has taken decisive action. Collaborating with relevant stakeholders on the ground and the National Council of Churches of Kenya, the church is committed to conducting a thorough and impartial inquiry into the matter.

In a statement released to the public, the church asserted its unwavering commitment to justice and humane treatment for all members of society, especially the elderly. The statement read, "We don't condone any unjust or inhumane treatment to any member of the society whether young or old and especially our senior members within the community."

Promise of Accountability and Transparency

Highlighting the seriousness of the allegations, the church conveyed its intention to investigate the matter rigorously. Any misconduct or wrongdoing will be addressed according to established church procedures and in compliance with the law.

Working diligently with all relevant parties, the church assured the public that the complete findings of the investigation will be shared with transparency at the appropriate time. In the interim, the church aimed to provide reassurance to families with elderly members at the Thogoto Care Home, asserting that their loved ones were safe and well cared for.

Exposé by BBC Journalists

The exposé, carried out by undercover journalists from the BBC, depicted unsettling conditions allegedly faced by elderly residents at the care home. The journalists, who posed as staff members after admitting their own loved ones to the facility, captured video evidence of the alleged mistreatment.

In one particularly disturbing video, a resident was purportedly left unattended while attempting to consume food placed on an unattended table. The distressing conditions documented in the exposé left the undercover journalists deeply moved, with one journalist remarking that the conditions witnessed were heart-wrenching and amounted to a potential death sentence for the vulnerable residents.

Background on the Care Home

Established by the Women's Guild of the local PCEA church, the Thogoto Care Home for the Aged operates independently. The exposé has raised significant concerns about the standards of care provided at the facility, prompting the church to initiate a comprehensive investigation into the matter and ensuring accountability for the well-being of its residents.