Cooperatives Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya’s partner, Mary Biketi, was on Friday afternoon attacked during a charity event organised by her Mary Biketi Foundation at the Kitale Museum. The event, aimed at uplifting local youth, women, and vulnerable groups, was disrupted by a group of goons who assaulted attendees and stole valuables, including mobile phones and car accessories.
Biketi, visibly shaken, condemned the incident in the strongest terms, describing it as a shameful act against a well-meaning initiative. “Our event was purely about giving back to the community. What happened today is truly unfortunate and unacceptable,” she said after recording a statement with the police.
Eyewitnesses said the attack occurred shortly after Biketi and her entourage arrived at the venue. The assailants, said to have come from a nearby informal settlement, descended on the crowd, causing chaos and injuring several people. “We were proceeding with our programme when goons came and attacked us, stole phones and broke into cars,” Biketi recounted.
She reiterated that her foundation is not politically affiliated and dismissed any notions of harbouring political ambitions. “We are not in any political party. We are just empowering the youth, women, and vulnerable groups in society,” she clarified.
A foundation official echoed Biketi’s sentiments, stating that their mission is solely to uplift and empower local communities. “Why chase us away? We came here with good intentions,” the official questioned.
Morgan Chesoni, a resident of Kiminini constituency, expressed disappointment over the incident, blaming it on politically motivated individuals misusing youth. “Mary has not said she’s contesting any seat. It’s not yet time for politics,” he said. “Those using the youth badly need to stop.”
The attack has drawn widespread condemnation, with calls for thorough investigations and the arrest of those responsible. Residents and supporters of the Mary Biketi Foundation are demanding justice, emphasizing that acts of violence should not deter efforts to support communities in need.
Police have since launched investigations into the incident.
