By N, KNA
A 14-year-old student is recovering from bodily injuries at Chelymo Hospital in Silibwet town in Bomet Central Sub- county, after he was allegedly assaulted by a Catholic priest at St. Peter’s Parish Mugango.
The victim, identified as Brian Kimutai, a Grade Eight (8) pupil, was reportedly attacked in the evening of September 2nd by a parish priest over undisclosed reasons, according to his father, Stephen Rono, the teenager endured a harrowing ordeal in the hands of the unnamed padre.
“My son was slapped repeatedly on the face, had his hair forcefully shaved, and was hit on the head and back with canes from cypress branches, we entrusted the priest with our children, but now we are in shock, we demand justice,” said Rono.
Medical personnel at Chelymo Hospital confirmed that the boy sustained injuries, but is out of danger.
“The patient suffered soft tissue injuries to the head and on his back, but he is stable and under observation”, said a hospital nurse, speaking on condition of anonymity.
The incident, which allegedly occurred at around 6:20 pm, has sparked public uproar, after a video purportedly showing the assault trended widely on the social media platforms.
Outraged parents and community members have condemned the act, demanding immediate action against the cleric.
Bomet Police Commander Edward Imbwaga, said that the matter is under investigation.
“We are treating this case with the utmost seriousness,” Imbwaga said, adding that the case was under active investigation, and urged anyone with more information to present forward.
The police boss promised that appropriate action will be taken, once investigations are complete.
Community leaders have also weighed in, urging authorities to prioritize the safety of children in schools and religious institutions.
Mary Chepkwony, a parent in the area, expressed her frustration: “This is unacceptable, a priest is supposed to protect and guide children, not harm them. We demand his arrest and prosecution,” she lamented.
The assault has reignited debate over child protection and corporal punishment in learning institutions.
Education stakeholders are calling for stronger policies and accountability mechanisms, to prevent similar abuses.
Samuel Bett, an education activist based in Bomet, stressed the need for urgent reforms, stating that the safety of children must be prioritized by the government and religious institutions.
“This incident shows that there are gaps in safeguarding structures. The government and the church must ensure that teachers and clergy entrusted with children, are held accountable for their actions and overall safety of the children under their watch,” Bett observed.
As investigations continues, the motive behind the assault remains unclear. Meanwhile, the video continues to circulate online, fueling demands for justice and renewed scrutiny over the treatment of children, particularly learners in religious and educational centres.