Man who slapped female blogger Martha Miano released

A man who was caught on camera assaulting Mathira blogger Martha Miano has been released from police custody.

The accused, James Wanjohi, was taken to Kiamariga Police Station where he was briefly detained and later released on a Ksh.10,000 cash bail.

Mathira West OCPD Birgen Kiptoo confirmed the arrest which came after a video of him slapping Ms. Miano went viral.

He said one other person is also in police custody in relation to the incident.

Several leaders have since condemned the incident including Peter Weru (former Mathira MP), Ngunjiri Wambugu (Nyeri Town MP) and Priscilla Nyokabi (former Nyeri Women Rep).

The Nyeri Town lawmaker has challenged Mathira MP Rigathi Gachagua and MCA-elect Erastus Karanja to publicly declare their stand on the matter.

Mr. Gachagua is expected to issue a statement on the same later in the day.

The Federation of Women Lawyers in Kenya (FIDA) has also condemned the act and called on the Inspector General of Police to hold his officials at the station accountable.

“…FIDA Kenya will not cease to DEMAND for action from relevant authorities… FIDA Kenya demands in the next 24 hours a report on action taken against the man,” the statement reads in part.

Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua termed the act as despicable and cowardly.

” The assault of election observer Martha Miano is despicable and cowardly. It means there is something crooked that was being hidden. The abuse of our women, and everyone for that matter, should never be tolerated. Action will be taken and justice served!#JusticeForMarthaMiano, ” the Governor said on his official Twitter account.

During the Ruguru Ward by-election on Wednesday, a confrontation ensued between the area member of Parliament and IEBC officials after Ms. Miano claimed there was malpractice during the exercise.

Ms Miano, an observer for Political Parties Liason Committee, had apparently gone to the police station to report her claims when she was assaulted.

Additional reporting by Martin Munene