By KPC Janet Nyanchoka
Outrage has rocked the Catholic Church in Kenya after a viral video emerged showing an Asumbi Sister assaulting a younger nun at St John’s Rakwaro Minor Seminary.
In the clip, the older nun can be heard slapping her colleague as the younger Sister pleads: “Why are you beating me, Sister?”
The Franciscan Sisters of St Joseph (FSJ) Superior General, Sr Mary Goretty Ochieng, condemned the attack, describing it as “deeply regrettable.”
“This action is a personal failing and does not represent our values. We deeply regret the harm and scandal caused,” Sr Goretty said in a statement on 8 September.
The incident, which reportedly occurred on 5 September, has triggered widespread calls for accountability in religious life.
The Association of Sisterhoods of Kenya (AOSK) said the assault tarnishes the reputation of all congregations.
Tangaza University’s Safeguarding Desk for Women Religious confirmed that the matter is being addressed internally.
In a note to safeguarding networks, Sr Dr Jacinta Ondeng SSND, Director of the Safeguarding Initiative for Women Religious, wrote:
“The congregation is already handling this issue according to its safeguarding policies.”
“We are confident that it will be managed appropriately. We must also do more to raise awareness of what constitutes abuse.”
The FSJ leadership has pledged to resolve the matter in line with church and congregational procedures.
