A disturbing video circulating on social media has sparked widespread outrage across Kenya, showing several young women threatening and physically assaulting a student identified as Jahenda in a public washroom. The footage prompted calls for accountability and drew attention to the alleged identities and affiliations of some of those depicted. Social media users identified some of the individuals as students at Riara University.
As public anger grew, Gen Z users on X began organising a protest targeting RGC Buruburu Church, where one of the suspects, Nicole Wayua, allegedly had a family connection. The protesters called on young people to attend the church’s Sunday morning service, demanding accountability rather than what they considered formal apologies from institutions. The mobilisation quickly shifted the incident from an online controversy into a physical protest.
Ahead of the protest, Riara University issued a statement condemning the incident and confirming that it had launched an internal disciplinary process. The university’s Vice Chancellor unequivocally condemned violence, intimidation, bullying, harassment, or misconduct in any form. The institution said its review would be conducted under its Student Code of Conduct as it sought to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
RGC Buruburu Church Administration also issued a statement condemning the conduct shown in the video, stressing that bullying, humiliation, intimidation, harassment, violence, and any conduct intended to demean, threaten, or cause harm to another person were unequivocally unacceptable. The church acknowledged that a young person associated with the incident fellowshipped at the church but stressed that the alleged actions should not be attributed to the institution.
On Sunday, a large group of youths gathered outside RGC Buruburu as they demanded answers from church leaders and sought accountability over the alleged assault. Tensions escalated as protesters assembled around the church premises, prompting the deployment of a significant police presence. Security officers restricted access to the church and used tear gas as they sought to control the crowd and secure the premises.
Reverend Felix Kavoi of RGC Buruburu addressed congregants and the media to clarify the church’s relationship with the alleged suspect, denying being the girl’s father and explaining that her parent was a church member and that she attended the church through that association. Kavoi also emphasised that the alleged assault did not take place on church premises and that the church did not condone acts of bullying, intimidation, or harassment.
The controversy has now shifted towards the investigations and disciplinary processes involving the individuals allegedly connected to the incident. While Riara University has initiated an internal review and the church has condemned the alleged conduct, social media users continue to demand tangible action. The case has also reignited debate over cyberbullying, student violence, and the growing use of social media to mobilise public pressure over alleged misconduct.
Key points
- Riara University has launched an internal disciplinary process into the alleged assault of Jahenda by some of its students.
- RGC Buruburu Church has condemned the alleged conduct and emphasised that it does not condone acts of bullying, intimidation, or harassment.
- The incident has reignited debate over cyberbullying, student violence, and the growing use of social media to mobilise public pressure over alleged misconduct.
