By Nuru Salim
There is mounting public anger in Kilifi County following the assault of nominated Member of County Assembly (MCA) Elina Mapenzi during a committee session at the Kilifi County Assembly on Monday, May 12.
Mapenzi, a nominated MCA under the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), was allegedly punched by Watamu Ward MCA Ibrahim Matumbo and his colleague Twahir Abdulkarim during a dispute over the county’s Financial Bill. The incident occurred within the precincts of the assembly during a session of the Budget and Appropriations Committee.
The assault has sparked widespread condemnation from residents, women leaders, and civil society organizations, who staged protests in BP Malindi town and later marched to the County Assembly buildings in Kilifi to deliver a memorandum demanding immediate investigations and legal action.
Leading the protest was former Cabinet Secretary for Gender Affairs Aisha Jumwa, who condemned the attack as an affront to women leadership and a clear abuse of power within a public institution.
“We strongly condemn this shameful act. MCAs are elected to legislate, not to resort to violence. The police must act swiftly to ensure such incidents do not happen again,” said Jumwa, who is also the Chairperson of the Kenya Roads Board.
Protesters, some carrying placards reading “Mung’aro Tame Your Goons”, accused the County Assembly of failing to provide a safe and respectful working environment for women and also criticized discrimination, reject gender-based exclusion, and gender-based-violence.
Kilifi County Assembly Speaker Hon. Teddy Mwambire, in a statement issued through his social media platforms, confirmed receipt of the public petition and assured the public that the assembly would conduct a thorough investigation.
“The assembly will follow official procedures to investigate the incident. Petitioners will also be invited to present their views during the process,” stated on his socials.
As of today, no arrests have been made, but pressure continues to mount on law enforcement agencies to take swift and decisive action.
