The Kenya Women Parliamentary Association (KEWOPA) has urged the government and security agencies to take action following an incident in Bomet, where an elderly woman was set ablaze by worshippers under the guise of exorcism.
Condemning the incident in a statement on Monday, February 24, KEWOPA Chairperson Leah Sankarie emphasised that the act committed against the victim was not only a violation of human rights but also reflected the rising cases of gender-based violence in the country.
Sankarie urged the National Government to thoroughly scrutinise religious institutions that violate human rights under the guise of faith.
Furthermore, she called upon the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the National Police Service to bring to justice anyone involved in orchestrating the act.
KEWOPA has further urged religious institutions to uphold their moral and ethical integrity and to refrain from promoting harmful myths and unverified allegations, to protect the vulnerable in society.
"We are deeply alarmed by the growing trend of GBV, including the targeting of women based on harmful myths and unverified allegations. This incident underscores the urgent need for stronger enforcement of laws protecting women from violence and harmful cultural practices. Women, regardless of their age or social status, deserve dignity, security, and justice," it stated.
"The Church, as a place of refuge and spiritual guidance, must be at the forefront of promoting peace, love, and justice. Any institution that engages in or condones acts of violence must be held accountable," it added.
The tragic incident, which happened on Saturday, February 22, involved worshippers at a church in Kapkwen Bomet County, who set an elderly woman ablaze in an attempt to rid her of so-called 'evil' possessions
The worshippers alleged that they had found the elderly woman with "evil" possessions, such as snakes and frogs, and claimed that they had to burn her to remove them from her body.
In the chilling video seen by Kenyans.co.ke, the church ushers, led by the pastor, placed the woman in the middle of a field and tied her up. While the congregants watched and giggled, other ushers were seen lighting a fire to burn her.
Once the fire was lit, an usher held the woman by the legs while another held her by the hands and placed her over the fire, rotating her. Meanwhile, some of the congregants were heard chanting prayers.
Fortunately, the woman survived but sustained serious injuries. Following the bizarre incident, the police shut down the church.
The police established that, in addition to burning congregants, the church also subjected them to caning in a ritual meant to exorcise evil spirits.
Bomet County Police Commander Edward Imbwaga confirmed the closure and revealed that investigations into the church were ongoing.
KEWOPA has further urged the authorities to provide the woman with the necessary medical care and psychological support.
