Pastor Denies Daughter’s Link to Viral Bullying Video as Youth Protest at Buruburu Church

Hundreds of young people gathered outside Redeemed Gospel Church in Buruburu, Nairobi, on Sunday to demand justice over a viral video showing a woman allegedly being assaulted by a group of fellow women.

The protesters identified the woman as Jahenda and called for action against those accused of assaulting and humiliating her. The video circulating on social media appears to show four women surrounding another woman inside a room, preventing her from leaving and subjecting her to physical and verbal harassment.

The footage has led to widespread condemnation online, with social media users calling for those involved to be held accountable. The controversy intensified after claims emerged linking one of the alleged participants to the Buruburu church. Some users also claimed that the woman was related to the church's pastor, Felix Kavoli.

Kavoli rejected the claims and said he did not have a daughter studying at Riara University. He also distanced himself and the church from the incident.

“Tell social media that they are wrong. They are getting it wrong and they are coming to the wrong place. I do not have a daughter at Riara University. My daughters are grown-ups and they are working, and their names are known. I don’t have children at Riara University,” the pastor said.

Kavoli said the alleged assault did not take place at the church and questioned why protesters had chosen to gather at its premises.

“It doesn’t concern Reverend Kavoli. It happened out there. Why is the devil against the church?” he said.

The protesters remained outside the church, demanding justice for Jahenda and calling for action against those accused of bullying and assaulting her.

Police later increased their presence around the church, with anti-riot officers deployed as the demonstration continued.

Riara University has also addressed the incident after confirming that some of the people seen in the video are among its students. In a statement issued on Saturday, the university condemned the conduct shown in the footage and said it was reviewing the matter under its disciplinary procedures.

The university said the alleged incident took place away from its campus but added that the behaviour depicted in the video was inconsistent with the standards expected of its students. It also said it was ready to cooperate with investigative authorities as inquiries into the incident continue.