Limuru residents protest over alleged assault on female MCA

A section of Limuru constituency residents in Kiambu county held a peaceful protest on Monday condemning an incident where nominated MCA Pacifica Ongecha was allegedly hit with a bottle full of water by her male colleague in Naivasha.

Led by Groots Kenya,  the group asked the society to respect women leaders serving in all capacities.

The group of women protested using twigs, blowing whistles and screaming even as they demanded justice.

They blocked the Ngarariga- Limuru town old road during the exercise.

"The MCA was assaulted last Friday by a male colleague.  This is a form of gender-based violence. She is a mother, a leader and a respected person," said Jane Wangare.

Wangare said the protest came at a time when the global 16 days of activism against Gender-Based Violence had started.

Ongecha said she reported the incident at Karagita police station in Naivasha on Friday, where investigations are ongoing.

She said they had attended a meeting at a Naivasha hotel together with other MCAs during which a male colleague hit her on the head with a bottle of water.

The incident brought the meeting to a standstill.

Another nominated MCA Wangui Njeri said they were shocked by the incident and called for relevant authorities to act.

Njeri defended Ongecha against attacks saying he has been living and operating businesses in Limuru, where she has also been a strong member of Groots Kenya.

She said her contributions and trust made President William Ruto's ruling party UDA nominate her.

Wangare said cases of gender-based violence have been witnessed in the country lately adding that it is time to tame them.

She said the cases affect both genders and asked all those affected to ensure they report the matter to police.