Wetangula Urged To Punish MP Who Beat Up KPLC Employee In Viral Video

Kenya University Student Organization (KUSO) Deputy President, Rachael Tabitha on Tuesday, July 4 demanded National Assembly Speaker, Moses Wetangula to reprimand Nimrod Mbai, the current Member of Parliament for Kitui East Constituency, who was caught on camera allegedly attacking a Kenya Power employee.

In a statement, Tabitha noted that she was deeply disturbed by the incident captured in a six-and-a-half-minute viral video that circulated social media platforms as well as news bulletins, terming it unacceptable for lawmakers to resort to violence for petty issues.

The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) lawmaker was seen angrily insulting the official who was reportedly seeking to disconnect an illegal power line at his home in Kitengela, Kajiado County.

Tabitha criticised Kenya Power for their silence on the matter as the monopoly power firm was yet to issue a statement by the time of publishing this article.

KUSO deputy president, Rachael Tabitha, during a past MDD press conference. /FACEBOOK.RACHAEL TABITHA

"It even breaks my heart more that Kenya Power remains silent despite their staff being harassed and assaulted. If they disregard the safety and well-being of their employees when incidents like this occur, one can only wonder about their commitment to protecting the public.

"What happens to those who suffer electrocution accidents in their vicinity? Shouldn't they be held responsible for ensuring the safety of individuals in their care?" she posed.

She also heaped blame on the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the National Police Service (NPS) for failing to take action against Mbai the same way authorities pounce on crimes committed by ordinary Kenyans.

"I’m however not surprised that the DCI and NPS have equally not said a word. It is disheartening to witness the stark contrast in their response when a common mwananchi is caught stealing chicken in some remote village in Mumias, yet when an MP is involved in assaulting someone, they remain silent. 

"We need answers as to why there appears to be a double standard in how the law is enforced. This selective silence only perpetuates a culture of impunity.  All citizens, regardless of their social status, should be treated equally before the law," she added.

Tabitha implored Speaker Wetangula to take immediate action and ensure that the lawmaker apologises for his actions in public and is subjected to consequences.

"We cannot tolerate violence or allow those in power to act with impunity. It is time for our leaders to set an example and ensure that no one is above the law, regardless of their position or influence," she went on.

The 24-year-old, who is part of the Azimio la Umoja-affiliated Jeshi Ya Baba movement in support of Raila Odinga, was not the only one to react to the grave assault.

The Institution of Engineers of Kenya (IEK), through its President, Erick Ohaga, termed Mbai's actions as  an 'intimidation to their workers’ as they called for his apprehension.

Citing the incident in the clip where the MP was captured attempting to draw out a gun as he hurled insults before repeatedly slapping the engineer, the Institution consequently called for the revocation of the firearm ownership license of the MP.

"In the same vein, we call upon the Inspector General of Police to ensure adequate security to our members as they perform their duty to society all over the country," he appealed in a statement.

President Ohaga defended the assaulted engineer who he said was lawfully undertaking his duties noting that the construction of illegal and substandard power lines has been linked to electrical accidents and loss of lives.