Speaker Ng'ondi speaks out after backlash over 'forced' hug with Muslim woman

A screengrab of Nairobi County Assembly Speaker Kennedy Ng'ondi asking for a handshake from a Muslim woman during his office birthday celebration in November 2022.

By Maureen Kinyanjui
Apr 17, 2024 | 05:31 PM

Speaker Kennedy Ng'ondi says events of his November 2022 birthday celebration were "never meant to disparage anyone".

Nairobi County Assembly Speaker Kennedy Ng'ondi, who has faced backlash for demanding a handshake and a hug from a Muslim woman, told a brief press briefing on Wednesday that the events were "blown out of context."

Ng'ondi's media address came a day after the Association of Muslim Lawyers condemned him for the "despicable act", noting it amounted to "sexual and physical assault".

A video resurfaced on Tuesday of the speaker insisting on a handshake and a hug from the woman during an office celebration of his birthday in November 2022.

He is seen walking about, acknowledging his colleagues and then pompously approaching and impelling her to stand and shake his hand.

At the press briefing, Ng'ondi said, "I want to reach out to the family ... I wish to state that the event at my surprise birthday, organised by Hon. women leaders back in November 2022 was blown out of context and that the occurrence of the eventful day was never meant to disparage anyone."

"Hon. Fatuma raised concerns about the issue immediately and the speaker apologised." pic.twitter.com/O6C3plE0sQ
— The Eastleigh Voice (@Eastleighvoice) April 17, 2024

A furore followed the wide circulation of the video on social media, with reactions coming from parties including politician Billow Kerrow, lawyer Ahmednasir Abdullahi, hotelier Mohammed Hersi, and Usikimye Founder Njeri wa Migwi.

They noted that the woman's discomfort at the interaction was clear, and demanded accountability and immediate action by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) on grounds of sexual harassment.

The Speaker said, "I have a lot of respect for women, Muslim leaders, the Muslim [faith] and all other religious setups."

Majority Leader Peter Imwatok alleged extortion.

"It is unfortunate that a ring of extortionists has decided to use this clip as a way of extorting the speaker. However, the matter has been taken up by the Powers and Privileges Committee, which will carry out investigations and take action against those found culpable," he said.