The Federation of Women Lawyers in Kenya (FIDA-Kenya) has condemned an incident involving religious extremism at the Bethel for Jesus Ministry International church in Kapkwen, Bomet County.
A viral video recently surfaced showing an elderly woman being set on fire by church members in a horrifying attempt to ‘rid her of evil spirits.'
In a statement on Wednesday, February 26, FIDA-Kenya expressed outrage over the brutality, noting that some of the church members even boasted about their actions on camera.
FIDA-Kenya noted that police reports showed that the church was also involved in other violent acts, including the caning and severe injury of two more women under the guise of exorcism.
"The Federation of Women Lawyers in Kenya (FIDA-Kenya) is outraged by a viral video showing an elderly woman being set on fire by members of the Bethel for Jesus Ministry International church in Kapkwen, Bomet County, to ‘rid her of evil spirits.’ Shockingly, some of the ‘church’ members dared to go on camera and boast about this horrific act.
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"According to the police reports, this 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," the statement read.
Following the incident, FIDA-Kenya has called on the County Government of Bomet to implement stronger measures to protect women against religious-based violence.
The organisation also called upon the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) and Judiciary to ensure prosecution of such crimes.
"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 requests the County Government of Bomet 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," the statement added.
Additionally, the organisation urged religious leaders to take a stand against cult-like teachings, and encouraged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious religious practices to the authorities.
"We also call upon religious leaders to openly condemn these religious extremist teachings, including Christian cults, which are becoming more common. Additionally, the general public and communities should remain vigilant against such acts and report any suspicious teachings to the police or relevant government agencies," the statement reads.
