Hundreds protest woman’s stripping during Malindi by-election
Women stage a demonstration in Malindi over the stripping of a woman and attacks by hooligans during the recent parliamentary by-election. PHOTO | NEHEMIAH OKWEMBAH | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- Ms Martha Kahonzi, a Jubilee member and tailor, was attacked by goons at the Karima polling station during the March 7 by-election.
- Women lawmakers called on the police to take stern action against the culprits.
- The Maendeleo Ya Wanawake official said most women did not turn up to vote after learning that there were hooligans stripping people.
- Ms Thima Abu, the head of a disabled people's group, said that she also fell victim to the hooligans.
Hundreds of women in Malindi staged a demonstration over the stripping of a woman and attacks by hooligans during the recent parliamentary by-election.
The women — who included Maendeleo Ya Wanawake Organisation’s Malindi head Fatuma Rashid Thoya, Kilifi youth leader Amina Mnyazi and female ward reps — condemned the stripping and described it as inhuman.
Ms Martha Kahonzi, a Jubilee member and tailor, was attacked by goons at the Karima polling station during the March 7 by-election.
The incident left her devastated.
A video clip of Ms Kahonzi, a mother of two, went viral on social media.
Women lawmakers called on the police to take stern action against the culprits.
The women met at the Malindi Town Stadium on Saturday and marched to the Malindi Police Station and the deputy county commissioner’s office, where they presented their complaints.
BLAMED COAST LEADERS
After the demonstration, the women said top ODM leaders — including Mombasa Governor Ali Hassan Joho, Kilifi Governor Amason Kingi, Kilifi Senator Stewart Madzayo and Woman Rep Aisha Jumwa — were to blame for the attacks on women.
The Maendeleo Ya Wanawake official said most women did not turn up to vote after learning that there were hooligans stripping people.
“What happened was injustice of the highest order. We condemn the act and do not want it to happen again,’’ she said.
Ms Thoya said it was sad that leaders spearheaded the intimidation of women.
Ms Thima Abu, the head of a disabled people's group, said that she also fell victim to the hooligans.
She said the goons abused her by touching her breasts.
“I appeal to the government to take action against those who assaulted, undressed and intimidated women during the Malindi by-election,’’ said Ms Abu.
