The Association of Muslim Lawyers has condemned a “despicable act” by Nairobi County Assembly Speaker Kennedy Ng’ondi, whom it says forcefully demanded “a Muslim woman shake his hand, which amounts to sexual and physical assault.”
The video, which has caused an uproar on social media, is of an office celebration of Ng’ondi’s birthday in November 2022, at which he insists on a handshake and a hug from the woman.
He is seen walking about, acknowledging his colleagues and then pompously approaching his Muslim colleague and impelling her to stand and shake his hand.
Other male colleagues join in the commotion, urging the woman to adhere to her boss’s request.
“Leo unisalimie na birthday (loosely translates to “Give me a birthday greeting today”),” he says, stretching his hand towards her. “Nibirthday yangu… (It is my birthday).”
Behind her, some men shout, “Salimia watu, salimia watu (Greet people, greet people!)”
The woman’s unease and reluctance to stand are evident throughout the interaction with the speaker.
The video, which was shared on X by a popular blogger Nyakundi and circulated on social media platforms, has sparked outrage among Kenyans, with many reprimanding Ng’ondi for disregarding the woman’s body language and general reluctance to indulge him.
In a statement on Tuesday, the Muslim lawyers said, “Such reprehensible behaviour is criminal, unethical, and immoral and not only violates her religious beliefs but also constitutes a grave violation of bodily autonomy and dignity.”
They further demanded accountability and immediate action by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) on grounds of sexual harassment.
In his reaction, politician Billow Kerrow termed the speaker’s action “uncouth” and suggested that the woman seek legal redress.
Lawyer Ahmednasir Abdullahi said, “The woman should take legal action. This is physical assault, a gross trespass on the person of the lady. I will be very surprised if criminal charges are not preferred.”
Hotelier Mohammed Hersi branded Ng’ondi an “uncultured man who has no respect for women and others’ faith” and said she should sue the Speaker.
“This woman has all the right to level charges against him as it qualifies as sexual harassment, intimidation aside,” he said.
Usikimye Founder Njeri wa Migwi also described the incident as harassment.
“She has clear boundaries on her person that he is breaching. She’s uncomfortable, doesn’t want the engagement and [yet] he keeps going and touching her inappropriately.”
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