The Federation of Women Lawyers in Kenya (FIDA-Kenya) has called for urgent legislation to regulate religious organizations following a disturbing incident at Bethel for Jesus Ministry International Church in Bomet County.
In a statement released on February 26, 2025, FIDA condemned the shocking acts of religious extremism at the church where an elderly woman was set on fire on February 22, 2025, in a so-called exorcism ritual.
“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.,” FIDA said.
In the statement FIDA-Kenya Chairperson Christine Kungu expressed outrage over the incident, emphasizing the continued vulnerability of women to gender-based violence, even in places of worship.
“It is regrettable that women continue to experience unprecedented gender-based violence, even in places that are meant for worship,” Kungu said.
The organization further urged religious leaders to openly condemn extremist teachings and cults while asking the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) and Judiciary to implement measures safeguarding women against 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” Kungu added.
She likened the incident to the Shakahola Massacre, where over 400 people, mostly women and children, died in Kilifi County.
“Like the Shakahola Massacre, 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,” Kungu explained.
Additionally, FIDA told Parliament to prioritize passing laws regulating religious organizations.
“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,” FIDA stated.
Exorcism incident
In the viral video that has sparked nationwide outrage, the church ushers led by the pastor are seen placing the woman in the middle of a field and then tying her up.
They attributed their actions to finding the elderly woman with evil possessions like snakes and frogs, arguing that they had to burn her to remove those that were on her body.
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 while rotating her.
Meanwhile, some congregants chanted prayers while others watched and giggled.
Despite the incident, the elderly woman did not die but sustained serious injuries.
Parliamentary response
The Kenya Women Parliamentary Association (KEWOPA) also condemned the incident in a statement issued on Monday, February 24, 2025.
KEWOPA Chairperson Leah Sankari emphasized 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.
“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,” Sankari stated.
She urged the national government to thoroughly scrutinize religious institutions that violate human rights under the guise of faith and called on the Directorate of Criminal Investigations and the National Police Service to bring to justice anyone involved in orchestrating the act.
“Religious institutions, as places 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,” she concluded.
