- A 14-year-old boy in Bomet allegedly assaulted by a Catholic priest.
- Victim sustained head, hand injuries and blood clots in his eyes.
- Priest on the run, police confirm manhunt is ongoing.
- Viral video of the incident sparks public outrage online.
- Child rights groups call for tougher enforcement against abuse.
A 14-year-old boy is recovering in hospital after he was allegedly beaten by a Catholic priest in Bomet County, an incident that has sparked nationwide outrage and drawn police attention.
The victim, Brian, a Grade Eight pupil at St Peter’s Mugango Comprehensive School, sustained injuries after Father John Paul allegedly caned him, hit him on the head with a club, and forcibly shaved his head during a confrontation at St Peter’s Catholic Church, Mugango.
Brian’s father, Stephen Rono, expressed shock after finding his son injured and being ferried home on a motorbike.
“I met my son on the road, being ferried on a motorbike after a priest beat him up for making a mistake. Why would a man of God do this to a child?” Rono asked while demanding justice.
The boy was rushed to Chelimo Hospital, where doctors treated head and hand injuries as well as blood clots in his eyes. He remains admitted but is said to be in stable condition.
Bomet Police Commander Edward Imbwaga confirmed that the matter is under active investigation. He further revealed that the priest has since gone into hiding.
“We are pursuing him, and appropriate action will be taken once he is apprehended,” said Imbwaga.
A video capturing the incident has gone viral, fueling public anger and renewed debate on corporal punishment. Social media users have condemned the violence, especially from clergy members entrusted with guiding children.
So far, church authorities have not issued an official statement.
Child rights advocates are urging stricter enforcement of laws to shield minors from abuse in schools and religious institutions. The case has reignited discussions on whether corporal punishment should be banned completely.
