Update: 32 Suspects Arrested Over Sexual Assault Of Woman In Nairobi

NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 8- Some 32 people were on Tuesday evening arrested after they were linked to the sexual assault of a woman in Nairobi.

The incident that occurred on March 4 was captured on a viral video, that was shared on social media platforms on Tuesday.

Of the arrested, police said are boda boda riders.

The video sparked massive outrage across the country, as both state and non-state actors called for action.

A protest has been planned on Wednesday, to speak out against violence meted on women and girls in Kenya, as the world marks International Women’s Day.

During the Wangari Maathai road incident, the victim lost her phone and cash amounting to Sh130,000.

She was captured screaming while pleading for help, as some rogue riders stripped off her clothes.

“Oh my God,” she is heard saying, amidst the attack.

She had been involved in a road accident when she was attacked by the boda boda riders.

National Police Service spokesperson Bruno Shioso said police had also seized 12 motorcycles following the incident.

Chief Justice Martha Koome joined senior government officials in condemning the incident while terming it as heinous and cruel.

“As a woman and a Kenyan citizen, I decry this act as barbaric and requiring the highest legal attention,” she said.

“Kenyan women, girls, and indeed all citizens must feel protected and safe in their own country. This is a priority that we must continue to pursue. Each agency committed on its part to stem out Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV).”

Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr. Fred Matiang’i and his Energy counterpart also condemned the incident.

“We must protect our roads from such vile and reprehensible acts of aggression,” Matiangi said.

The National Police Service termed the incident as barbaric while promising more action to end the culture of impunity among boda boda operators.

“We’ve been doing so many law enforcement operations to try and restore sanity on the roads. We have tried to engage motorcyclists through their local leadership to see how we can work together,” NPS Spokesperson Bruno Shioso said.