One person was arrested on Friday, September 26, following the rescue of a woman who was brutally assaulted in a viral video that circulated on social media platforms.
In a statement released by the National Police Service (NPS), authorities confirmed swift action had been taken to apprehend those responsible for the heinous act that occurred in Mbene, Narok Central Sub-County.
The National Police Service strongly condemned what it described as a barbaric assault captured in amateur footage that showed a woman being viciously attacked.
The disturbing video, which spread rapidly across social media platforms, depicted the victim being subjected to what police termed a vile act in the Narok County area.
"The Service strongly condemns this egregious act, which constitutes gender-based violence, assault, and kidnapping. These are criminal acts punishable under Kenyan law," the police statement read.
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Following the incident, police responded immediately to rescue the survivor, who was rushed to the hospital for medical treatment.
An investigation was launched immediately after the incident came to light, with authorities working to identify and apprehend all individuals involved in the assault.
The police confirmed that a manhunt for the remaining perpetrators was ongoing. One suspect was already in custody pending court arraignment.
"Moreover, an investigation was commenced, and a manhunt for the perpetrators was mounted, leading to the successful arrest of one suspect, who was placed in custody pending arraignment in court. Police are still in hot pursuit of the remaining perpetrators to apprehend them to face justice," the statement indicated.
The NPS commended members of the public for providing crucial information that led to the suspect's arrest and praised officers for their prompt response. The police encouraged anyone with additional information that could assist the investigation to come forward through various channels.
"We commend the public for providing crucial information that led to the suspect's arrest, and the officers for their prompt response. We appeal 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 999, 911, or 112, or by using #FichuaKwaDCI on 0800 722 203 or WhatsApp 0709 570 000," the statement read.
The arrest comes amid widespread condemnation from various organizations and individuals following the circulation of the disturbing video.
The Law Society of Kenya had previously issued a strong statement denouncing the assault, with President Faith Odhiambo describing the incident as detestable and emphasizing that such violence could not be justified under any cultural pretext. The legal body had stressed that the Constitution guarantees individual autonomy and freedom of choice while prohibiting harmful practices that violate human rights.
Media personalities and women's rights organizations had also demanded swift justice for the victim, calling on law enforcement agencies to expedite the tracking, arrest, and prosecution of all individuals involved in the brutal attack.
The Federation of Women Lawyers in Kenya had appealed for public cooperation in the investigations, urging anyone with information to come forward to assist in bringing all perpetrators to justice.
