Punish these church leaders for brutality against elderly women

HelpAge International, Kenya country office, takes great exception to failure by the prosecution to prefer charges against church leaders in Gituamba, Murang’a County, who were caught on camera beating four elderly women who had attended a service.

As an organisation that helps older people claim their rights, challenge discrimination and overcome poverty, we not only condemn any acts of violence meted out on older persons regardless of the gender but also ask the State to move with speed against all perpetrators of such acts.

We therefore urge the Director of Public Prosecutions and the police to act against perpetrators of violence on older women in Murang’a.

The church, traditionally regarded as a place where all people find solace, should not be changed to a place where the elderly get humiliated.