Five people have been charged with causing grievous bodily harm in a Kerugoya court after allegedly attacking and injuring Kirinyaga Woman Representative Jane Njeri Maina, leaving her hospitalised.
When they appeared before Chief Magistrate Cheruto Kipkorir, the five, Fredrick Macharia, Richard Muchiri, Nahason Wachira, Eric Chomba, and Joseph Wanjohi, denied the charges.
They were each granted Sh50,000 bail and ordered to appear in court on November 2nd when the case will be heard.
Ms Maina was ambushed and assaulted by a group of people minutes after she left Kerugoya police station, where she had been summoned to record a statement in connection with the vandalism of a county-funded solar-powered community borehole.
Ms Maina was accompanied to the police station by David Mathenge, a member of the Baragwi County Assembly (MCA). Before being released, the MCA was interrogated for hours in the presence of the MP and his lawyer.
Ms Maina suffered head injuries and was taken to Kerugoya Hospital, but she was later transferred to Nairobi Hospital for specialised care.
Speaking for the first time in the National Assembly about the attack, MP Njeri emphasised the importance of respecting human life and dignity, adding that the pursuit of political power should never come before the two.
“As a young leader, I have always believed in the power of politics and its potential to bring positive change to society. I have dedicated myself to making a difference in my life through my political participation,” she said in October.
“However, the events of that day shuttered my idealistic views of politics and exposed the dark underbelly of power struggle and political rivalry in Kirinyaga county.”
She added:
“Nevertheless, we must never be discouraged. We must remain resilient. Our voices have to be heard. As young leaders, we have fresh perspectives fresh ideas and passion to effect real change. It is time for us to step up and take out rightful space in the political area.
Maina asked leaders to strive to coexist peacefully saying violence should not be used to settle political scores or when one is of a different political ideology.
“My predicament is a wake-up call to all political leaders. We must advocate for political tolerance and create space where differing opinions can co-exist.”
