By Peter Ochieng
Nairobi County Assembly Speaker, Kennedy Ng’ondi has finally responded to claims of forcing a Muslim lady into a handshake and a hug during his birthday celebrations.
In a viral video, the Speaker seemingly forces the lady into having a handshake and a hug with him, against Islamic beliefs and traditions.
The lady has since been identified as Ward Representative Fatuma Abdiwahid.
Speaker Ng’ondi says the video which has sparked uproar was taken during a surprise birthday party, which also came following his election in September 2022.
He says he has already asked for forgiveness from the Ward Representative’s family, and Muslims in general.
However, he maintains that the matter has been blown out of proportion for no clear reason.
“The birthday party organised by the honourable women leaders back in 2022 was blown out of context. The occurrence of the eventful day was never meant to discourage anyone. I have a lot of respect for women and Muslim faithful,” he said during a press conference on Wednesday.
He was defended by Nairobi MCAs, led by majority leader Peter Imwatok and minority leader Antony Kiragu.
They said circulation of the video seeks to cause a rift in the county assembly.
Kiragu claimed the video had been edited to suit a certain narrative.
“This is an edited video, I wish they would have shown the joy that was there when we were celebrating, including the women. The people circulating that are enemies of the assembly,” said Antony Kiragu.
Two MCAs have been accused of spreading the video. The county assembly’s disciplinary committee is expected to take action against them.
After the video went viral on Tuesday, the Association of Muslim leaders called for immediate prosecution of the Speaker.
“Such reprehensible behavior is criminal, unethical, immoral and not only violates her religious beliefs but also constitutes a grave violation of bodily autonomy and dignity,” they said in a statement.
“We therefore urgently demand accountability and immediate commencement of criminal charges by DCI against Hon. Ken Ng’ondi for this egregious act of sexual harassment.”
