Kenyan Women MPs Call For Action Against Woman Burnt for Suspected Witchcraft

Following an incident in Bomet where an old woman was burned alive by followers claiming to be performing an exorcism, the Kenya Women Parliamentary Association (KEWOPA) has called on the government and security forces to act.

In a statement released Monday, February 24, KEWOPA Chairperson Leah Sankarie condemned the occurrence and emphasized that the victim’s act was not only a violation of her human rights but also showed the growing number of gender-based violence incidents in the nation.

Sankarie called on the National Government to investigate religious organizations that abuse human rights in the name of religion in great detail.

She also urged the National Police Service and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to prosecute those responsible for planning the crime.

In order to safeguard the weaker members of society, KEWOPA has also called on religious organizations to maintain their moral and ethical standards and to abstain from spreading false information and unsubstantiated claims.

“We are gravely disturbed by the growing trend of GBV, especially the targeting of women based on harmful misconceptions and unproven charges. The urgent need for stricter enforcement of laws shielding women from violence and damaging cultural customs is highlighted by this incident. It said, “Women deserve justice, security, and dignity, regardless of their age or social standing.”

“The Church must lead the charge in advancing justice, love, and peace because it is a haven and a source of spiritual direction. It further stated that any organization that participates in or supports violent activities must answer for its actions.

Worshippers at a Kapkwen Bomet County church tragically set an old woman on fire on Saturday, February 22, with the intention of purging her of ‘evil’ things.

They claimed to have discovered “evil” things like frogs and snakes on the elderly woman, and that they had to burn her to get them off her body.

In the terrifying footage, the woman was tied up and left in the middle of a field by the church ushers, who were headed by the pastor. Other ushers were observed setting a fire to burn her while the congregation looked on and laughed.

After lighting the fire, one usher rotated the woman over the flames while another held her by the hands and legs. Some of the congregation members could be heard saying prayers in the meanwhile.

Thankfully, the woman lived, but she was gravely injured. The cops closed the church after the strange incident.

According to the authorities, the church burned its members and even caned them as part of a rite to drive out evil spirits.