National leaders have called for justice over the assault of a young woman identified as Bella Comedy, including President William Ruto’s legal advisor, Prof Makau Mutua.
Identified as Bella Comedy, a popular comedian and TikTok star, the woman was attacked by a businessman during the Kutit Festival at the Carnivore Grounds.
A disturbing video of the incident has circulated widely online, drawing criticism from the Ministry of Gender, Culture and Children Services, President William Ruto’s legal advisor, Prof Makau Mutua, and Kapseret MP Hon Oscar Sudi.
In a statement on Monday, August 11, Gender CS Hanna Wendot Cheptumo condemned the attack, describing it as criminal and a direct violation of the fundamental rights and freedoms enshrined in our Constitution.
“We condemn in the strongest possible terms any act of violence, harassment, or assault on women and girls. They have no place in our country. Women’s rights are human rights,” he statement read in part.
“I wish to assure the survivor of this incident and the public at large that the Ministry of Gender, Culture, and Children Services is working closely with the relevant law enforcement agencies to ensure this matter is investigated expeditiously. The perpetrators will be held fully accountable under the law.”
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CS Wendot on Action to be Taken
The CS assured Bella and the public that her ministry is working with law enforcement to ensure the case is investigated urgently and that perpetrators are held fully accountable.
She also asked event organizers, venue owners, and security providers to uphold the highest safety standards at public gatherings, stressing that preventive measures must be effective and strictly enforced.
“We further call upon event organizers, venue owners and security providers to uphold the highest standards of safety and protection for all participants and to ensure that preventive measures are robust, effective and strictly enforced,” added the gender CS.
Makau Mutua Calls for Arrest
At the same time, Prof Makau Mutua made a direct call for action, calling on officers to arrest the perpetrator, who has since been identified.
“This person must be arrested immediately,” stated Mutua.
Earlier, Member of Parliament Oscar Sudi also condemned the incident, revealing that the attacker is known as Motiriot Kipkosgei, commonly referred to as Pavilion Kipkosgei or Pavilion Lounge.
“The assault on Bella Comedy by Motiriot Kipkosgei is concerning. Violence against women is unacceptable. Kipkosgei, surrender yourself to the nearest police station,” stated Sudi.
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Bella Comedy Speaks Up
In a tearful video posted on TikTok, the comedian recounted the assault, describing it as a humiliating ordeal.
She noted that the businessman who attacked her accused her of tarnishing his name online.
“You claimed I tarnished your name online, but did you report me? If that’s true, you should have gone to the authorities. Why resort to beating me? Many people have reposted your story am I the only one?”
“I haven’t even posted anything about that child. My work is to comment on trending topics, and I only cover them after they’re already in the public.”
Also, Bella said it pained her that other men at the event simply watched as she was attacked.
“Men were just watching. It hurt so much, especially knowing my fans had helped me get the ticket. I wish I’d never attended the event,” she said.
Additionally, she revealed that Pavilion had tried to reach out after the video went viral, but insisted she had no plans to forgive him.
Bella said she intended to report the incident to the police.
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