The Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA-Kenya) has condemned the viral video showing an elderly woman being set on fire by members of a church in Kapkwen, Bomet County, to ‘rid her of evil spirits’.
FIDA-Kenya cannot fathom the courage of some members of the Bethel for Jesus Ministry International to record the horrific act on camera, and even afford to boast about it.
Police reports show that the church is also responsible for the caning and serious injuries inflicted on two other women in similar attempts to ‘exorcise evil spirits.’
“It is regrettable that women continue to experience unprecedented gender-based violence, even in places that are meant for worship,” FIDA-Kenya says in a statement dated February 26, 2025, calling for the immediate arrest and prosecution of suspects.
“FIDA-Kenya acknowledges that Bomet County Police Commander, Mr. Edward Imbwaga, has assured the public that the Bethel for Jesus Ministry International has been shut down and that the police are actively pursuing the suspects, including the church’s ‘pastor.’ We hope the suspects will be arrested and charged in court within the shortest time possible,” FIDA-Kenya Chairperson Christine Kungu says.
FIDA-Kenya is further requesting the Bomet County Government to put in place measures for safeguarding women against all forms of violence.
“We call upon the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) and Judiciary to ensure swift prosecution of such crimes to deter future occurrences. We also call upon religious leaders to openly condemn these religious extremist teachings, including Christian cults, which are becoming more common,” FIDA-Kenya adds.
The lawyers are now urging the general public and communities to remain vigilant against such acts and report any suspicious teachings to the police or relevant government agencies.
There is a worrying trend in the country of increasing violence against women if recent trends are anything to go by. For instance, the Shakahola Massacre, which led to the death of over 400 innocent people, primarily women and children, in Kilifi County, is yet to be concluded despite the apprehension of the church leaders alleged to be behind the heinous crime.
Like the Shakahola Massacre, FIDA-Kenya says the extremist behaviour by Bethel for Jesus Ministry International church points to a failure in effectively monitoring religious groups by both the government and religious organisations.
FIDA-Kenya emphasises the urgent need to protect vulnerable communities, particularly women and children, from religious exploitation. Parliament must prioritise passing laws to regulate religious organisations and their agents’ conduct. Places of worship should provide spiritual nourishment, moral and ethical guidance, comfort, community, and order. We remain committed to offering legal aid and psychosocial support to supporting these women who are victims of violence through our toll-free number, 0800 720 501.
