NAROK, Kenya – The National Police Service (NPS) has finally broken its silence on a viral video which captured an incident linked to an attempt of forced marriage of a lady.
The brutal amateur footage circulating on social media depict a woman being viciously assaulted.
In a statement, NPS Director Corporate Communication Muchiri Nyaga confirmed that the vile act occurred in Mbene, Ngarite area of Narok Central Sub-County, Narok County.
“The Service strongly condemns this egregious act, which constitutes gander-based violence, assault, and kidnapping. These are criminal acts punishable under law. Following this incident, the police responded swiftly and rescued the survivor, who was rushed to hospital for treatment,” said Muchiri.
Muchiri who doubles as the NPS spokesperson further announced that an investigation had commenced and a manhunt for the perpetrators has been mounted, leading to the successful arrest of one suspect who has been placed in custody pending arraignment in court.
“Police are still in hot pursuit of the remaining perpetrators with the objective of apprehending them to face justice. We commend the public for providing crucial information that led to the arrest of the suspect, and the officers for their prompt response,” Muchiri added.
What Faith Odhiambo told the police
He further appealed to anyone with information that could assist the investigation to report to the nearest police station or share information anonymously via the toll-free hotlines.
“NPS 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 spokesperson further assured.
Earlier, News9.Africa reported that Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo strongly condemned the forced marriage of the lady as captured in the now-viral video.
According to the LSK boss, the incident allegedly took place in an undisclosed location within Narok County.
“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,” Odhiambo said.
Taking to her official X account (formerly Twitter), the LSK president observed that such a move is not a cultural practice, “it is an act of sexual violence, and such conduct cannot be countenanced.”
How the Narok incident happened
According to Odhiambo, the Kenyan 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,” Odhiambo further said.
In the 49th minute video, a group of about 4 men can be seen caning the young girl as she wails on the ground.
The men donning Maasai shukas continue the beating the young girl while an unidentified woman appears to appeal to them to stop it.
At the tail end of the video clip, the men carry away the young girl as the group continue speaking in their local dialect.
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