Assault on MCA Pauline Wanjira: Team to begin probe
What you need to know:
Nyeri County Assembly Speaker John Kaguchia said Tuesday that his office has received Ms Wanjira’s assault complaint
Leaders on Tuesday condemned the attack on Magutu MCA Pauline Wanjira by a fellow ward rep as Nyeri County Assembly moved to constitute a committee to probe the matter.
Kirimukuyu Ward Rep Anthony Ndagita risks suspension from the Assembly if investigators find him guilty of gross misconduct.
Mr Ndagita is under investigation for allegedly attacking Ms Wanjira during a training workshop in Arusha, Tanzania.
Nyeri County Assembly Speaker John Kaguchia said his office has received Ms Wanjira’s assault complaint.
“We do not condone any form of violence on our members. It is unacceptable and shameful,” he said.
Mr Kaguchia said a team, Powers and Privilege Committee, will investigate the incident and table a report with recommendation on action to be taken.
If suspended, the MCA will not attend House sittings and will be excluded from its activities.
The speaker said disciplinary action will be taken against members whose conduct affect public confidence in the Assembly. He added that that such incidences were tainting the image of the Assembly.
Nyeri MP Ngunjiri Wambugu in a written statement called for investigations on the incident warning that failure to take action will result in more gender-based violence cases.
“There is no excuse for a man to beat a woman. Whether you have been insulted or not, you cannot take the law into your hands,” he said.
The lawmaker added that the National Assembly’s National Security Committee will probe the matter and ensure that justice is served.
“If nothing is done, you will create the perception that you can get away with beating a woman,” he said.
A section of nominated MCAs in Nyeri who declined to be mentioned due to fear of victimisation said that since the incident occurred they have been living in fear of similar attacks.
“When our colleague was attacked our male counterparts celebrated. They said that the beating will serve as a lesson to us,” said an MCA.
Ms Wanjira said she is receiving help from authorities and various non-governmental organisations including Federation of Women Lawyers have reached out to her.
