Jahenda Assault Video Sparks Outrage as Youths Storm RGC Buruburu Church

A video showing several young women threatening and physically assaulting a student identified as Jahenda in a public washroom has sparked widespread outrage across Kenya.

The footage circulated widely on social media, prompting calls for accountability and drawing 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, while posts online alleged that one of the suspects was Nicole Wayua, whose family was reportedly associated with Redeemed Gospel Church (RGC) Buruburu.

The allegations have not been independently verified.

Gen Z mobilises online

As public anger grew, Gen Z users on X began organising a protest targeting RGC Buruburu Church.

The protesters called on young people to attend the church’s Sunday morning service on Rabai Road, demanding accountability rather than what they considered formal apologies from institutions.

“The assault of Jahenda by Riara University students is disgusting,” one post circulating on X stated.

The mobilisation quickly shifted the incident from an online controversy into a physical protest, with youths turning up at the church on Sunday.

Riara University condemns assault

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 said:

“Riara University unequivocally condemns 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 responds

RGC Buruburu Church Administration also issued a statement condemning the conduct shown in the video.

“We unequivocally condemn bullying, humiliation, intimidation, harassment, violence, and any conduct intended to demean, threaten, or cause harm to another person.”

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.

“While an individual’s actions cannot be attributed to or presented as the position of the church, neither can a person’s association with the church be used to excuse, minimise or shield them from accountability for their own conduct.”

Youths storm church

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.

Protesters expressed anger over the alleged assault and called for action against those responsible.

Mariam, one of the protesters, said:

“It’s not fair. At this age we don’t bully people anymore.”

Pastor clarifies relationship with suspect

Following the confrontation, Reverend Felix Kavoi of RGC Buruburu addressed congregants and the media to clarify the church’s relationship with the alleged suspect.

He denied being the girl’s father, explaining that her parent was a church member and that she attended the church through that association.

“I’m not a father to any of those girls in question, only that one of the girls, the parent worships here and the girl by default worships here.”

Kavoi also emphasised that the alleged assault did not take place on church premises.

“This church RGC Buru, does not condone acts of bullying, acts of intimidation or harassment, and I think that statement is comprehensive enough about the position of the church.”

Calls for accountability continue

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.