Govt Takes Action On Nigerian Man Who Assaulted Kenyan Lover In Viral Tea Expose

The government through the Ministry of Gender, Culture, the Arts and Heritage has confirmed that a Nigerian man who was captured on CCTV assaulting his Kenyan partner confined to a wheelchair has been arrested and is being processed for deportation.

On April 1, 2024, Viral Tea obtained the disturbing 33-second clip involving the Nigerian national, John Nwankwo Noko, physically assaulting the defenceless woman identified as Pauline.

A month later, Nominated Senator Gloria Orwoba visited Pauline who narrated what had happened during the incident, further confirming that her life was in danger as Nwankwo had been threatening to kill her and her two domestic workers if they testified against him in court concerning the incident.

Nwankwo Noko, the Nigerian man who assaulted his Kenyan partner on a wheelchair in a viral video. /CYPRIAN NYAKUNDI

The senator's office took up the matter with the relevant authorities from the Karen police station where the case had been reported and confirmed that there was indeed an attempt at slowing down the progress of the case through technicalities. 

Senator Orwoba as a result spoke to the OCS Karen police station as well as the Investigating Officer assigned to the matter, with the Ministry stating that the setback has since been rectified and the matter is currently in court.

"We followed up the matter with the Ministry of Interior, Immigration, and Citizen Services urging the Principal Secretary State Department for immigration and Citizen Services to deport Mr. Nwankwo Noko. Action has since been taken and we appreciate the swift response and efforts made by Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Interior, Prof. Kithure Kindiki, and Principal Secretary Amb. Prof. Julius Bitok in expediting this process," the statement signed jointly by Orwoba and Principal Secretary (PS) Anne Wang'ombe dated Friday, May 3 read in part.

The Ministry added that the concerned act of violence has not only violated the rights of an individual but has also highlighted the broader issues of gender-based violence that are rampant in society. 

Incidents of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) in particular have escalated and risen in the recent past, resulting in the death of many women.

The Ministry therefore demanded immediate attention, prioritisation and collaborative efforts from the relevant sectors to curb the vice, stating that such acts not only leave lasting emotional and psychological damage on victims and their families but also tear at the fabric of society as a collective.

"We strongly condemn such behaviour and we shall continue to work towards creating a safer environment for women, free from fear, intimidation and violence.

"We urge the judiciary to expedite the wheels of justice to ensure that Pauline and her children can get justice. The current action by the Ministry of Interior goes a long way in demonstrating the government's efforts to end GBV/IPV. We believe the rest of the sectors concerned will follow suit. GBV of any kind should not be tolerated in this country," added the statement.

Senator Orwoba had earlier revealed that the Nigerian national is a foreigner and was in Kenya on a work permit. Pauline has children with Nwankwo.

Speaking to Viral Tea in April, a friend of the woman privy to the matter revealed that the man had abused the woman multiple times and for some periods.

Editor's Note: Intimate partner violence can be reported through the 24-hour national helpline for gender-based violence 1195.