The Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA) has issued a public apology following widespread outrage over a viral video showing one of its clergy members confronting and distressing Family Bank staff during a burial ceremony in Kiangai, Kirinyaga County.
The incident occurred during the funeral of a Family Bank employee and was captured on video, which later circulated widely on social media. In the clip, the cleric is seen reprimanding the mourners for attempting to make tributes and sing a chorus, actions she claimed were against church protocol.
The preacher insisted that no “unwritten” tributes were permitted and that the funeral proceedings had to strictly adhere to what she described as church policy. Her remarks were met with open resistance from mourners, who argued that the service was a moment of shared grief and remembrance rather than rigid enforcement of rules.
Tensions escalated further when the cleric proceeded to deliver a prayer that many mourners and online viewers later described as confrontational and inappropriate, intensifying public anger.
The video sparked widespread condemnation, with critics accusing the clergy member of abusing her authority, disrupting a sacred moment of mourning, and humiliating grieving colleagues.
In response to the backlash, PCEA released a statement offering an unreserved apology to Kenyans, and particularly to the bereaved family and mourners affected by the incident.
The church acknowledged that the actions caused pain, distress, and indignity during a moment that should have been marked by compassion, reverence, and pastoral care, admitting that the incident fell short of Christian values.
“This was an isolated incident and does not reflect the faith, ethos, values, or pastoral practice of the PCEA. Such conduct is contrary to our calling and our long-held commitment to dignity, peace, and servant leadership,” the statement read in part.
PCEA further said it is addressing the matter through appropriate ecclesiastical and disciplinary channels, and committed to engaging pastorally with those affected while strengthening internal safeguards to prevent similar incidents in the future.
