The National Police Service (NPS) has issued a statement following the circulation of a viral video on social media showing a young woman being brutally assaulted by men armed with sticks in Narok County.
In a statement released on Friday, September 26, the NPS acknowledged the disturbing amateur footage and confirmed that the incident occurred in Mbene, Ngarite area of Narok Central Sub-County.
“The Service strongly condemns this egregious act, which constitutes gender-based violence, assault, and kidnapping. These are criminal acts punishable under Kenyan law,” the statement read in part.
NPS Arrests One Suspect Filmed Assaulting a Woman in Narok
According to the NPS, officers responded swiftly to the incident, rescuing the survivor who was immediately taken to the hospital for treatment.
Following the incident, police launched an investigation and mounted a manhunt for the perpetrators.
This led to the successful arrest of one suspect, who is currently in custody pending arraignment in court.
Authorities confirmed that efforts to apprehend the remaining suspects are ongoing.
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The Service commended members of the public for providing crucial information that facilitated the arrest, and also praised officers for their prompt response.
Police have appealed to anyone with information that could aid the investigation to report to the nearest police station.
Anonymous tips can also be shared through the toll-free hotlines 999, 911, or 112, or via the #FichuaKwaDCI platform on 0800 722 203 or WhatsApp 0709 570 000.
“The National Police Service remains steadfast in its commitment to upholding respect for human rights, fundamental freedoms, and dignity, and will continue to be at the forefront in the fight against gender-based violence,” the NPS statement added.
In the viral video, the group of men is seen dragging the woman on the ground and caning her mercilessly as she wails helplessly.
Despite her desperate cries, the assault continues unabated.
A woman at the scene appears to plead with an older man to intervene, but her appeals are ignored.
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Reports suggest that the woman had turned down a marriage proposal from a man preferred by her brothers.
It is further alleged that the man had already submitted dowry in preparation for an engagement ceremony.
The Viral Video Sparks Uproar
The incident has sparked widespread outrage across the country, with members of the public, political leaders, and civil society organizations condemning the brutal attack.
“This is unacceptable! The least we want to see is the arrest and arraignment of these fools. End gender-based violence!” commented Citizen TV journalist Stephen Letoo.
Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo also condemned the incident, emphasizing that it should not be misconstrued as a cultural practice but recognized for what it is — an act of sexual and gender-based violence.
“This recording of a young lady from Narok reportedly being assaulted by her brothers in an attempt to compel her to marry a man she does not love is detestable. This is not a cultural practice; it is an act of sexual violence, and such conduct cannot be countenanced,” she said.
She noted that the Constitution guarantees individual autonomy and freedom of choice, and equally frowns upon harmful cultural practices that undermine human rights.
“We call upon the police to promptly identify and arrest the perpetrators of this aggravated act of violence,” she added.
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