A video of a man believed to be a priest beating two teenage boys has sparked ire on sections of social media platforms.
In the video, the unnamed clergyman is seen caning the boys in turns.
With their hands tied up with a rope, the boys, are heard screaming for pardon as the heavy strokes fall on them.
Although the video is not dated and the author is unknown, one can tell that it was most likely filmed in Gusiiland, going by the priest and the onlookers’ utterances.
A few people can be seen watching the caning that is happening next to a car, possibly belonging to the priest.
Some of the onlookers look thrilled and cheer the priest on, as he inconsiderately spanks the boys.
He is heard speaking in Ekegusii to the effect that there are two ways of excorcing demons; caning and praying.
He further says that in the Bible, Jesus caned people in church before he prayed for them.
Towards the end of the 30 seconds long footage, the stick lands on one of the boys’ wrist and sends him rolling in pain.
The video ends, leaving the viewer in suspense.
Corporal punishment is illegal in Kenya, as it is regarded to be dehumanising.
However, there is divided opinion amongst Kenyans, with some arguing that the cane is the most effective deterrent for young people.
The cane was withdrawn from schools and teachers were asked to use alternative means to mete and instill discipline to learners.
Even so, the Bible provides that he who loves his children should not spare the rod when they do wrong.
And while it is not expressly clear that the law has eliminated the cane, it is the manner in which the priest effected the ‘punishment’ that angered some people, while others supported it.
By press time, it had not been established what offence the boys had committed, even as some argued that they should have been taken to the police to face the law.
It was also not clear what happened before and after the video.
“The priest saved them; the mob would have lynched them,” a social media user said.
