Nairobi County Assembly Speaker, Kennedy Ng’ondi, faced backlash after a video showed him appearing to force a Muslim female colleague to shake his hand and hug him during a birthday celebration in an office setting.
The video which has since gone viral has sparked outrage on social media, with many criticizing Ng’ondi for disregarding the woman’s consent and personal boundaries.
In the post, shared by popular blogger and activist Cyprian Nyakundi, Ng’ondi is seen walking around the room in the company of other colleagues in what appeared to be an office party.
People in the office can be heard singing “Happy Birthday” to him, as he then approaches the woman, who is seated, and urges her to stand up and shake his hand properly.
Details of the video
Ng’ondi can be heard saying, “Leo unisalimie na birthday! Ni birthday yangu…” (Today, shake hands with me for my birthday! It’s my birthday).
Behind him, some male colleagues are heard shouting, “Salimia watu, salimia watu!” (Shake hands with people, shake hands with people!).
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The woman is evidently hesitant to stand up and fulfill her Boss’ request, but eventually she stands, showcasing her unease as he puts his arms around her, trying to get her to hug him.
“Piga picha leo! Picha picha leo!” (Take a picture today! Take a picture today!) remarks the County Speaker.
Blogger Cyprian Nyakundi’s remarks
In the post’s caption, Nyakundi expressed his disdain at the incident.
He also called upon the Islamic community to offer their perspective on the conduct displayed by the county official.
“Was this during a staff party or a retreat? It’s being reported that the Speaker is fond of forcing women to do whatever he wants,” the popular blogger noted.
“What you are witnessing here is someone who can easily abuse the juniors. Why is this allowed on someone heading an institution like the County Assembly of Nairobi?”
“Hello, my Muslim brothers and sisters. Why should someone force himself on a devout Muslim lady who is not willing to defy the manners of her faith?”
Public reaction to the post
Ahmednasir Abdullahi, a prominent lawyer, also expressed his disapproval at the incident saying, “This is physical assault, a gross trespass to the person of the lady. I will be very surprised if criminal charges are not preferred.”
“This is harassment. She has clear boundaries on her person that he is breaching. She’s uncomfortable, doesn’t want the engagement and he keeps going in and touching her inappropriately.
“This is unethical, vile, inappropriate and disgusting behavior. She should sue,” remarked Njeri Wa Migwi, Usikimye Co-founder.
Following the incident, the Association of Muslim Lawyers has issued a statement denouncing the conduct of the County official.
“The Association of Muslim Lawyers vehemently condemns the despicable act by the Speaker of the Nairobi County Assembly, forcefully demanding a Muslim woman to shake his hand which amounts to sexual and physical assault,” read the statement.
“Such reprehensible behavior is criminal, unethical, immoral and not only violates her religious beliefs but also constitutes a grave violation of bodily autonomy and dignity.”
“We therefore urgently demand accountability and immediate commencement of criminal charges by DCI against Hon. Ken Ng’ondi for this egregious act of sexual harassment.”
