"Stop Touching Women During Prayers," Millie Odhiambo Boldly Warns Pastors, Demands Respect

Suba North Member of Parliament Millie Odhiambo has issued a stern call to religious leaders, urging them to respect personal boundaries while praying for congregants, particularly women.

Speaking during a parliamentary session on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, Odhiambo criticised a growing trend where some pastors touch women’s breasts, buttocks, and other private areas during prayer sessions.

She described the habit as inappropriate and misleading, insisting that such conduct carries no spiritual value.

“Stop touching women’s breasts and buttocks during prayers. There is nothing spiritual about that. Keep a distance. The spirit will work between you and the woman with the distance,” Odhiambo said.

The MP argued that physical contact does not create any spiritual influence or divine healing but instead risks causing sexual arousal and discomfort.

According to her, prayer and spiritual guidance should be conducted with professionalism, respect, and decency to maintain the honor traditionally associated with religious spaces.

Odhiambo further referenced the Sexual Offences Act Amendment Bill, noting that touching women’s private parts without consent is criminal and carries legal consequences.

She cautioned that once the amendments are fully enacted, religious leaders engaging in such acts may face prosecution.

“If that bill becomes law, pastors will not touch any breasts or buttocks of ladies because that will not happen again,” she stated.

Odhiambo explained that her remarks were informed by increasing reports and public complaints concerning inappropriate conduct by some church leaders during deliverance and healing activities.

She maintained that women must feel safe and respected in spiritual environments, free from intimidation or manipulation disguised as divine practice.

Odhiambo added that when religious leaders abuse their authority, they erode trust and tarnish the credibility of the Church.

“There is no need to put a physical touch between you and a woman,” she noted, emphasizing that distance does not weaken prayer.

The MP called on churches to strengthen ethical standards, train clergy on appropriate conduct, and encourage congregants to speak out when boundaries are crossed.

She stressed that combining legal reinforcement with public awareness will help create worship spaces that uphold dignity, trust, and genuine spiritual growth

Share your thoughts and Follow for more updates