Police have arrested three suspects who were caught on camera mercilessly whipping a mother and her son in a video that has since gone viral sparking widespread outrage.
In a statement on Tuesday, April 19, the National Police Service (NPS) noted that the suspects will be arraigned over the offense of assault and causing actual bodily harm.
The footage has attracted condemnation from Kenyans with calls for justice for the two victims.
In the video, the woman, identified as Mama Kwamboka, had come to the aid of her son who is believed to have committed a mistake in the village. The three men, described as clan elders proceeded to mercilessly whip the son.
The mother intervened after noticing that her son was already unconscious but drew the ire of the three men who descended on her with long sticks.
The screams of the helpless lady could be heard as her attempts to escape were futile. The elders caught up with her and continued with the assault.
The clip, which went viral, caught the attention of NPS which later issued a statement, affirming that investigations were underway.
"A clip circulating on social media where an old lady and a young man assumed to be her son are being flogged by an unnamed aggressor has been noted by the National Police Service.
"The cruel act victimising the two for whatever reason is unjustified, unlawful and cruel.NPS joins outraged Kenyans in condemning the uncalled brutality against the two."
The police further urged Kenyans to seek appropriate conflict resolution measures instead of opting for violence and taking the law into their own hands.
"There are legally laid down procedures of settling conflicts between people. The rule of law should always prevail against the rule of the mob in all situations. Our local police are handling the matter. We shall therefore share the outcome of their findings in due course," NPS stated.
Aggrieved by the incident, advocate Steve Ogolla sent the family Ksh50,000 for medical treatment and offered to represent them in court
"I've talked to Mama Kwamboka, her son Alfred, and eldest daughter Emily Moraa. She reported the matter to Oriwo Police Station in Ringa and obtained an OB Number."
"She is in great pain but is yet to receive medical treatment. I've sent the family Ksh 50K for medical treatment. We shall offer pre-trial legal assistance, and watch brief in the matter to ensure justice is done," he posted on Facebook.
