‘It’s An Edited Video’: Nairobi Speaker Refutes Allegations of Coercive Gesture Towards Muslim Woman
Nairobi County Assembly Speaker Kennedy Ng’ondi has justified his actions in response to a widely circulated video that seems to depict him compelling ward representative Fatuma Abdiwahid Abey to shake his hand, despite it being against her Islamic beliefs.
Ng’ondi stated on Wednesday that the controversial video was recorded during an unexpected birthday celebration, coinciding with his election win in September 2022, and has since caused significant controversy.
He mentioned that the problem had been exaggerated and expressed that he had already sought forgiveness from the MCA’s family and the wider Muslim community.
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“The birthday party organized by the honorable women leaders back in 2022 was blown out of context. The occurrence of the eventful day was never meant to discourage anyone. I have a lot of respect for women and Muslim faithful,” Ngondi told a press conference.
Nairobi Members of County Assembly (MCAs), headed by their majority leader Peter Imwatok and minority leader Antony Kiragu, also supported the Speaker by asserting that bringing back the video of the incident was intended to create division within the assembly.
“This is an edited video, I wish they would have shown the joy that was there when we were celebrating, including the women. The people circulating that are enemies of the assembly,” said Antony Kiragu, the minority leader.
The disciplinary committee of the county assembly is anticipated to respond to allegations against two MCAs who are purported to have shared the video.
‘It’s An Edited Video’: Nairobi Speaker Refutes Allegations of Coercive Gesture Towards Muslim Woman