A group of youths protested outside Redeemed Gospel Church in Buru Buru, Nairobi, on October 4, 2026, demanding justice for Jahenda, a student who was bullied in a viral video. The protesters described the incident as gender-based harassment and called for the prosecution of those involved. They claimed that Jahenda had been traumatized by the incident, which they said was a betrayal by people she considered friends.
The protesters chose to demonstrate outside the church because a parent of one of those allegedly involved is a congregant. They accused police of protecting the church instead of pursuing those they say should be investigated. Youth activist Sankale alleged that police had failed to arrest one of the women seen in the viral video and claimed some protesters had been detained inside the church compound.
The demonstration turned chaotic after police lobbed tear gas canisters and fired in the air to disperse the protesters and allow church faithful who were trapped inside to leave. Protesters scattered before regrouping again. The church leadership has maintained that the confrontation captured in the viral video did not take place on its premises and that the matter was linked to a congregant, not the church leadership.
In a statement, the church condemned the bullying of Jahenda and said it was not opposed to the protesters' call for justice, but to demonstrations being staged at its gates rather than at the institutions where the act took place. Church representatives have previously said a parent of one of the women in the video had reported the matter to Lang'ata Police Station and that investigations were ongoing.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage, with many calling for action to be taken against those involved. Riara University, where some of those seen in the video are reportedly enrolled, has opened an internal review but has not announced any disciplinary action. No arrests or formal charges against the women seen in the viral video have been confirmed.
One of the protesters, Tatiana, said that Jahenda had been subjected to physical and emotional abuse, and that the protesters were demanding justice for her. She added that the protesters would continue to push for action to be taken against those involved in the bullying. The protesters' demands have been echoed by many in the community, who are calling for an end to gender-based violence.
The incident highlights the growing concern about bullying and gender-based violence in Kenya. Authorities have been urged to take action to address the issue and ensure that those responsible are held accountable. The Standard Group Plc, a leading multi-media house in Kenya, has condemned the bullying and called for calm.
Key points
- Protesters demand justice for Jahenda, a student bullied in a viral video.
- The incident has sparked widespread outrage, with many calling for action to be taken against those involved.
- Authorities have been urged to take action to address the issue of bullying and gender-based violence in Kenya.
