Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga has condemned the assault incident at Kibuye Market that led to the arrest of the market chairlady, Judith Matengo, popularly known as Nyaramba, calling for swift and transparent investigations into the attack.
Matengo was arrested on Monday night after a viral video showed her beating two female traders with a wooden rod in broad daylight. Police say she was found hiding within the market precincts shortly after the footage sparked outrage among residents and human rights groups.
The victims, Mercy Okoth and Rozette Adhiambo, sustained soft-tissue injuries and recorded statements with police before seeking treatment at Lumumba Sub-county Hospital. Officers say they are pursuing additional suspects believed to have aided the assault.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Wednesday, Odinga described the violence as not only criminal but also a “classic case of gender violence,” made worse by the fact that the alleged perpetrator is a woman leader. She expressed concern over what she termed the “apparent complicity of male goons” seen in the circulating videos.
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Odinga urged market traders, county authorities, and political actors to exercise restraint, warning against normalizing violence, especially with the upcoming political season. She vowed to ensure zero tolerance for any form of violence, particularly against women, in line with national laws and international agreements Kenya has ratified.
She also cautioned against the political manipulation of women leaders in markets, saying such interference fuels division and endangers vulnerable traders. Odinga called on security agencies to protect witnesses and conduct transparent investigations, pledging to closely follow the case to ensure justice is served.
“Kibuye Market is not just a business centre; it is a community,” Odinga said, emphasizing that Kisumu will not condone violence from any quarter.
By Mercy Kokwon
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