Mercy Cherotich never imagined that attending a church service would leave her with bruises following a brutal assault.
But that’s the torture she ensured at Bethel For Jesus Ministry International, a controversial church in Bomet County that has shocked the nation with its bizarre and brutal practices.
Cherotich, a resident of Kapkatet village in Kericho County, had been visiting a cousin when she was invited to attend a service at the church in Kapkwen Township on February 19, 2025.
As the sermon progressed, ushers called her to the front but she declined.
“I told them I could not move to the front since I was not a member of the church and did not know what was expected of me. The pastor slapped me twice while the ushers handed him a cane which he used to hit me all over my body,” Cherotich says.
The beating, she was told, was meant to ‘exorcise demons’ residing in her.
The Bethel For Jesus Church building in Bomet has been in the news after pastors were accused of beating and burning followers allegedly to exorcise demons.
Photo credit: Vitalis Kimutai| Nation Media Group
She later reported the matter at Kapkwen Police Station under OB 12/19/02/2025. A medical examination confirmed she had sustained injuries on her back, legs and hands.
“I want the pastors to be held accountable for what they did to me,” she says, still shaken by the ordeal.
Reports indicate that dozens of women have been subjected to similar beatings in the church. Some have been flogged with cane sticks while others have been burned in what the church describes as ‘spiritual cleansing.’
Inside Bethel Church, Bomet, where worshippers are tortured
In a disturbing video which has since gone viral, an elderly woman is tied up and burned over an open fire outside the church. In the footage, she is heard screaming and begging for mercy while promising to repent and join the church.
The video, allegedly filmed in late 2024 captures young men in maroon trousers and reflector jackets restraining her as she writhes in agony.
“She kept begging for her life, but they wouldn’t stop,” says a villager who witnessed the incident.
This shocking revelation has prompted police to launch an investigation into the church which has now gone silent, with its leaders fleeing to avoid arrest.
Since the disturbing videos surfaced, the lead pastor and his 15 assistants have gone into hiding, according to police.
Church followers going to Bethel For Jesus Church in Bomet, unaware it was closed, on Sunday February 23, 2025.
Photo credit: Vitalis Kimutai| Nation Media Group
Chepalungu sub-County Police Commander Phantom Nalo said at least two victims have formally recorded statements with the police.
One of the complaints filed by a resident of Kanusin village states that on February 12, 2025, the woman was called to the pulpit, where the pastor caned her with sticks.
“She sustained injuries all over her body and managed to escape from the church,” the police report seen by Nation.africa states.
On Ms Cherotich's incident, the report states:” “She attended the same church and that when the said pastor was delivering summons, he jumped from the pulpit and rolled her on the ground and mercilessly gave her several strokes using cypress branches brought by the ushers thereby causing her bodily injuries.”
Both victims were issued P3 medical examination forms and police officers visited the scene to collect evidence.
“Police officers visited the scene and further police action is underway. The suspects including Pastor Zachary have since gone missing and are being sought by the police,” Mr Nalo said on Monday.
On Sunday morning, Bethel For Jesus Ministry International church remained deserted with its once bustling compound in Kapkimolwo village eerily empty.
A few women arrived for a service only to find the church closed and they quickly retreated to the homes of fellow church members.
When Nation.africa accessed the church, 50 neatly arranged pews, a white-draped pulpit and five empty tables painted a picture of a place suddenly abandoned.
Empty pews at Bethel For Jesus Church in Bomet county.
Photo credit: Vitalis Kimutai| Nation Media Group
The road leading to the church, recently covered in murram, had been left unfinished, blocking any vehicles from accessing the premises.
Even the pastor’s timber-walled house located next to the church was abandoned though a motor vehicle was still parked in the garage.
However, sometime in 2023, its teachings took a dark turn.
The leadership suddenly began claiming to possess divine powers to exorcise demons leading to frequent public floggings, mostly targeting women.
The church imposed a strict dress code for female members as they were required to wear white headscarves and long dresses while services were held on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays.
The church's shocking revelations have sparked public outrage with local leaders calling for the church to be permanently shut down. Nyangores MCA Joseah Samoei has urged authorities to arrest and prosecute the pastors involved.
“The only sensible thing to do is to close the church, arrest the leaders and prosecute them now that there are complainants who have come forward with evidence,” Samoei said.
He drew parallels to the Shakahola cult tragedy in Kilifi where more than 400 church followers died after being brainwashed by a rogue pastor.
Flanked by political activists Paul Bett, Patrick Rotich, Saitoti Ngetich and Bildad Cheruiyot, Mr Samoei called for a government crackdown on churches with cult-like practices.
“This should serve as a wake-up call for authorities to regulate religious institutions,” he added.
As investigations continue, villagers remain fearful hesitant to speak openly about the church’s dark secrets with some belieiving the church’s leaders have powerful connections, which could allow them to evade justice.
However, human rights groups and local activists have vowed to push for accountability, ensuring victims like Cherotich and the elderly woman in the video get the justice they deserve.
