NAIROBI, November 28 -The Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Kenyan chapter has demanded the arrest of a former Member of Parliament who allegedly assaulted his wife.
FIDA Executive Director Patricia Nyaundi said they had launched a formal complaint at the Kilimani police station on Friday, demanding legal action against the former lawmaker.
“This is a serious matter. There is sufficient evidence and the perpetrator is known. There is no reason why he should not be arrested,” she said.
Speaking shortly after lodging the complaint at the police station, Ms Nyaundi said her organisation also planned to offer legal representation to the ex-MP’s wife to ensure justice prevailed.
The woman is reported to have been battered a week ago and had since gone into hiding for fear of further attacks from the former MP who is said to be habitual wife beater.
“Reports we are getting suggest that the woman has been suffering in silence, and has been battered many times. We want immediate action taken,” she added.
Ms Nyaundi said FIDA had been able to contact the victim through her family who had pledged to present her to the police station where she would record a statement.
“FIDA is going to ensure there is justice in this matter. We have discussed with the police and they have offered to guide us through and even identify for us a police officer who will handle the matter,” she said.
The deputy divisional police chief at Kilimani Fred Ochieng’ who received the FIDA delegation said due process would be followed.
He directed FIDA representatives to record a formal complaint and ensure the victim also recorded a statement to facilitate investigations.
“Once the complaints are made, we will be in a position to carry out investigations,” he said.
