Tensions flared in Kitui County on Wednesday, August 2, after protesters demonstrated against a member of parliament accused of assaulting a businesswoman.
While speaking to the press, the entrepreneur claimed that the altercation ensued after the MP accused her of allowing her customers to gossip about him in her cafe.
She further alleged that the MP walked into her hotel accompanied by 30 men intent on causing chaos.
“When he entered the hotel, he asked me why my customers were gossiping about him and painting him in a bad light.
“He shoved me and broke my glasses and when I shoved him back, he signalled at his entourage to attack me,” the aggrieved woman alleged.
Per her account, the men accompanying the MP refused to comply with his order, further complicating the situation.
This reportedly prompted the lawmaker to react, roughing up the woman and leaving her with visible facial injuries.
“We told the goons who had accompanied the MP that there was no need to cause chaos in someone’s business premises. Luckily, they heeded our call,” one of the customers claimed.
“Today is a sad day. One of the great businesswomen was ambushed by a man we adore and look up to,” another customer added.
In a display of solidarity against the incident, the area residents rallied behind the businesswoman and accompanied her to a nearby police station, where she claimed to have recorded a statement.
She was also rushed to the hospital, where she alleged to have received medical attention. However, she did not disclose whether she filled out a P3 medical examination form or her diagnosis.
Frustrated by the laxity shown by the police in addressing her case, the area residents took to the streets to demand the arrest of the lawmaker and other accused persons.
The lawmaker is yet to respond to the allegations.
