A model recruitment event organized by Mary Biketi's Foundation descended into chaos when a group of goons stormed the venue, disrupting the proceedings and scattering participants.
Biketi, the girlfriend of the current Cooperative Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya, was holding the event at the Kitale Museum on Friday afternoon, where she was seeking models to represent her foundation.
However, chaos erupted when an unsuspecting vehicle arrived at the scene. Moments later, youths armed with knives and machetes disrupted the event.
"The first time I was here, I did something for the elderly, and this time around, I thought I would do something for the youth, then this happened. We were going on with our program when the goons came in...they started beating us, robbing us, and even broke vehicles," Biketi revealed.
In the ugly confrontations, the rear screen of Biketi's car was smashed, while two female models were robbed of their phones and sustained minor injuries.
Condemning the event, Biketi emphasized that she was not affiliated with any political party and was simply seeking to help the community.
"We are not in any political party; we just want to help each other. We are empowering women, youths, and the vulnerable," Biketi said.
The event organizers who had accompanied Biketi also condemned the incident, urging the youth to desist from being misused by divisive leaders.
Peninah Makambi, the Coordinator of the foundation, echoed Biketi's sentiments, labeling the attack as "barbaric" and emphasising the need for accountability.
"We demand an immediate and thorough investigation, and all those involved must be brought to justice," Makambi asserted.
Biketi is not new to the Kenyan scene; she gained the limelight after her relationship with former Kakamega Governor Oparanya was made public. In a previous interview, Oparanya confirmed their relationship and revealed that his two wives were aware of it and had no issue with it.
"I have a girlfriend, and my wives know her; they have no problem with it. We live peacefully and harmoniously," Oparanya told the Art of Living show in July 2024.
Biketi left the scene unharmed, as she was swiftly whisked away by security.
