The Kenya Women Senators Association (Kewosa), led by Chairperson Senator Veronica Maina during a press conference in February/ FILEOutrage has trailed an incident at a public participation meeting in Kileleshwa where two women chiefs were allegedly assaulted, with the Kenya Women Senators Association (Kewosa) calling for swift action over the matter.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Kewosa strongly condemned what it described as a violent attack on the two chiefs during a constitutional public participation exercise.
The association said the two administrators sustained injuries in the incident and were later admitted to Nairobi Women’s Hospital for treatment. It stressed that the chiefs were lawfully executing their mandate in facilitating a constitutionally protected public participation process.
“The two Chiefs, who were lawfully discharging official government duties in the course of facilitating a constitutional public participation exercise, sustained injuries following the assault,” the statement read.
Kewosa described the incident as a grave attack on women in public service and an affront to constitutional governance, warning that such violence undermines public administration and the rule of law.
The lobby cited Article 10 of the Constitution, which anchors public participation as a national value, alongside Articles 27, 28 and 29, which guarantee equality, dignity and protection from violence and degrading treatment.
It further emphasised that no public officer, particularly women administrators carrying out lawful duties, should be subjected to intimidation, humiliation or physical assault.
The association also referenced provisions of the Penal Code, stating that such conduct may amount to assault causing actual bodily harm, creating disturbance, and obstructing public officers in the execution of their duties.
Kewosa noted that chiefs and assistant chiefs play a critical role under the National Government Coordination Act in maintaining order and facilitating government services at the grassroots level, warning that attacks on them weaken state authority and erode public confidence.
The association further expressed concern over what it termed a growing trend of hostility and violence targeting women in leadership and public service.
“Violence against women in leadership and public administration cannot and must never be normalised in a constitutional democracy founded on the rule of law, equality and human dignity,” Kewosa stated.
It called on the National Police Service and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations to investigate the incident and ensure those responsible are held to account. The association also urged the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions to handle the matter independently and without interference.
Kewosa further appealed to the Ministry of Interior and National Administration to strengthen protection mechanisms for chiefs and assistant chiefs during public duties, and urged political leaders to uphold civility and respect for public institutions.
The association insisted that no public officer is above the law and called for accountability in all circumstances.
It concluded by expressing solidarity with the two chiefs and wishing them a quick recovery.
“Kewosa stands firmly in solidarity with the chiefs and wishes them a quick and full recovery,” the statement read.
