Public Outrage After Woman Assaulted at Kutit Festival; Gender CS, MP Demand Arrest of Suspect

Nairobi, Kenya – Gender Cabinet Secretary Hannah Wendot and Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi have condemned a widely shared video showing a woman being physically assaulted at the Kutit Festival, an annual Kalenjin cultural and music event. The incident, which allegedly took place on the night of Friday, August 9, has ignited national outrage and revived urgent conversations about gender-based violence (GBV) in Kenya.

In statements on Sunday, August 11, Wendot labelled the attack “unacceptable and inexcusable under any circumstance” and pledged government support to the victim. She called on law enforcement to expedite investigations and prosecute all involved. “We cannot continue to normalise violence against women in public or private spaces. This must stop,” she said.

Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi, speaking from Eldoret, urged the suspect — reportedly a well-known social media influencer — to surrender immediately. “Influential people should be role models. If you fail to present yourself, the law will find you,”Sudi warned, hinting that an arrest warrant could follow within days.

Police Investigations and Public Response

Uasin Gishu County Police confirmed they are reviewing the viral footage and gathering witness statements. Authorities have urged anyone with information or recordings to come forward. The suspect’s identity, while circulating online, has not been officially confirmed by police.

Advocacy groups, including the Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA-Kenya), have condemned the incident, calling for justice and stronger safeguards for women at public events. “This case reflects a deeper societal problem. We must address the culture that excuses harassment and violence in entertainment spaces,” a FIDA spokesperson said.

Event Organisers Under Scrutiny

Kutit Festival organisers issued a formal apology to the victim, stating they were “deeply disturbed by the incident” and are cooperating fully with authorities. They also pledged to review security measures for future editions, which typically attract thousands of young revellers from across the Rift Valley.

Security experts say the case could push the government to tighten licensing regulations for large public events, requiring stricter crowd control, surveillance, and trained security personnel.

A Broader National Issue

According to the Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS) 2022, over 30% of Kenyan women have experienced physical violence, with many cases going unreported. Activists argue that while legislation exists — such as the Protection Against Domestic Violence Act — enforcement remains inconsistent.

Public outrage has also reignited calls for nationwide education campaigns on respect, consent, and non-violence, particularly targeting young men. Hashtags linked to the incident trended throughout the weekend, with users demanding swift justice and urging festivalgoers to hold peers accountable.

Next Steps

Police say once the suspect is in custody, they will seek guidance from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) to determine charges, likely including assault and causing grievous harm. If convicted, the perpetrator could face a multi-year prison sentence.

For survivors of GBV, the Ministry of Gender has reminded the public of toll-free hotlines — 1195 — for reporting incidents and accessing support services.