Cooperatives Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya's partner Mary Biketi has condemned an attack on her in Kitale on Friday afternoon during a charity event.
Biketi regretted the violent incident, which saw several
people who had joined her at a social event at Kitale Museum injured and
robbed.
“I want to take this strongest opportunity to condemn the
violence meted out on our team while undertaking the well-meaning initiative by my
Mary Biketi Foundation. My organisation is all about giving back to the
community,” she explained.
Biketi maintained that the organisation is not affiliated with
any political party and that she has not declared an interest in any elective
position.
“We are not in any political party. We are just empowering
the youth, women and vulnerable groups in the society,” she told journalists
after recording a statement with the police.
She said goons attacked them as they went on with their
programme.
“We were proceeding with our programme when goons came and
attacked us, stole phones and broke into cars,” she said.
Biketi maintained that there is no hidden agenda behind the
work of her foundation.
"This is truly unfortunate. What happened today is
unacceptable and should never occur again in Trans Nzoia. Our event was purely
about uplifting young people.
An official from Mary Biketi Foundation said their event was
meant to give back to society.
“We are here with our foundation to empower locals,
give back to society, but what has happened is not right. Why chase us away?”
she said.
Morgan Chesoni, a resident from Kiminini constituency, said
he was disappointed over what transpired.
“As youths, we are disappointed. Around 50 goons attacked us
for no reason, but we have information on who was behind the violence,” Chesoni
said.
“Mary has not said she contesting for any seat. It is not
yet time for politics. Those using the youth badly need to stop.”
The incident unfolded moments after Biketi and her entourage
arrived at the venue.
According to eyewitnesses, the attackers came from a nearby informal settlement.
