Kitale
Modeling Show Turns Violent as Mary Biketi Faces Attack
An afternoon meant to celebrate young talent
in Kitale quickly descended into chaos when over 50 armed youths disrupted a
modeling competition organized by the Mary Biketi Foundation. The event, held
at the Kitale Museum, was forced to end abruptly after the group stormed the
venue, allegedly demanding money and targeting foundation founder Mary Biketi.
The attackers reportedly came from a nearby
informal settlement and began by confronting event organizers, damaging
property, and injuring at least two young participants in the process.
Witnesses described scenes of panic as attendees scattered for safety.
“They shouted ‘hatujapangwa’—they claimed they
hadn’t been paid,” said one attendee, still shaken by the incident. “They
grabbed Kobi first, then Jerry who was in charge of security. Everything
happened so fast.”
Biketi
Evacuated as Security Fails to Contain Mob
Moments before the violence, Mary Biketi had
just taken her seat to watch the young contestants take the stage. Her vehicle
was later damaged in the fracas, including a smashed rear window. Two female
contestants suffered minor injuries and had their phones stolen.
Biketi was swiftly escorted away by security
and later recorded a statement at Kitale Police Headquarters.
“This was meant to be a peaceful event to
uplift local youth. It’s heartbreaking to see it turned into something so
violent,” Biketi said. “There was no political motive—our only goal was to give
underprivileged youth a platform.”
Foundation
Demands Justice, Blames Political Manipulation
Peninah Makambi, the Foundation’s Coordinator,
described the incident as “barbaric,” adding that justice must be served
swiftly.
“This cannot go unanswered. We demand full
investigations and arrests. We cannot normalize this kind of aggression in our
communities,” Makambi emphasized.
Other members of the foundation, including Morgan
Chesoni and Ali Mukwana, expressed concern that political actors may have
manipulated the attackers.
“Let this be a wake-up call to our youth—don’t
let yourselves be used as tools for political intimidation,” Mukwana urged. “We
need answers. Who orchestrated this?”
Commitment
to Empowerment Unshaken
Despite the disruption, the foundation made it
clear that it would not be backing down from its mission. Biketi reaffirmed her
commitment to peaceful empowerment.
“Violence won’t scare us away. If anything,
this strengthens our resolve to continue building platforms for young people,”
she stated.
Police in Trans Nzoia have launched an
investigation into the incident. Officers are reviewing eyewitness reports and
have urged anyone with further information to come forward.
As the modeling community and youth
empowerment advocates rally behind the foundation, the spotlight now turns to
authorities to ensure such acts of violence are not repeated.
