The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has condemned a disturbing video that surfaced online showing men brutally assaulting a woman in Narok.
In a statement on Friday, September 26, LSK President Faith Odhiambo denounced the act, noting that such violence cannot be justified under the guise of cultural traditions.
"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.
Odhiambo emphasized that the Constitution provides for the protection of individual freedoms, and called for immediate action by security agencies.
"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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The incident has also drawn reactions from members of the media, with Citizen TV journalist Steven Letoo demanding urgent action against the men captured in the video.
"This is unacceptable! The least we want to see is the arrest and arraignment of these fools. End Gender Based Violence! The Kenya National Police Service, the DCI and other relevant authorities should expedite the tracking, arrest and prosecution of the individuals captured abusing this innocent soul," he said.
The Federation of Women Lawyers in Kenya (FIDA-Kenya) also issued a statement, urging the public to cooperate in the investigations by providing any information that could help bring the perpetrators to justice.
“We are following up on this incident and ask any person with any information on the same to share with us, kindly," it stated.
This comes weeks after the Franciscan Sisters of St. Joseph issued a statement after a disturbing video showing a senior Sister physically assaulting her junior at St. Theresa Asumbi went viral on social media.
In a statement dated Monday, September 8, the Sisters condemned the incident, saying the actions captured in the video are personal and do not represent the values of the Franciscan Sisters of St. Joseph.
"The Franciscan Sisters of St. Joseph have become aware of a deeply regrettable incident involving one of our members physically assaulting a younger Sister, a clip of which has circulated widely on social media.
"This action is a personal failing and does not represent the values of the Franciscan Sisters of St. Joseph," the statement read.
The Sisters expressed regret over the incident, acknowledging the harm caused to both the victim, the Church, and the public.
"We deeply regret the harm caused to the Sister involved, as well as the scandal and pain this incident has caused to our Congregation, the Church, and the public," the statement added.
The Franciscan Sisters of St. Joseph reaffirmed their guiding principles and assured the public that the matter was being handled internally.
"Our charisma is joyful love and compassion. Violence in any form is contrary to our way of life. We are addressing this matter according to Church and Congregational procedures, with the aim to ensure the dignity and well-being of all our members," the statement concluded.
