Narok, Kenya – The National Police Service (NPS) has condemned the vicious assault of a woman in Narok County after disturbing footage circulated on social media showing her being violently attacked. The incident took place in Mbene, Ngarite area of Narok Central Sub-County, and has drawn widespread outrage across the country.
According to a statement issued on Friday, the NPS described the act as “egregious,” terming it gender-based violence, assault, and kidnapping—serious criminal offences under Kenyan law. Police confirmed that the survivor was swiftly rescued and rushed to the hospital for treatment.
One suspect has already been arrested and placed in custody pending arraignment, while a manhunt is ongoing for the remaining perpetrators. “Police are still in hot pursuit of the remaining perpetrators with the objective of apprehending them to face justice,” the statement read.
NPS Spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga commended the public for providing crucial information that enabled the arrest, while also urging continued cooperation. “We commend the public for their prompt response and appeal to anyone with more information to report to the nearest police station or share anonymously through hotlines,” Nyaga said.
The incident has reignited national debate over Kenya’s persistent challenge of gender-based violence (GBV). Reports from the Kenya Demographic and Health Survey show that nearly 40 P.c of women experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime, underscoring the scale of the crisis.
Human rights groups have repeatedly called for tougher measures against perpetrators and greater investment in survivor support systems. The government has, in recent years, launched campaigns such as #FichuaKwaDCI to encourage citizens to report violence, but critics argue that enforcement remains uneven, particularly in rural areas.
Activists say the Narok case is a grim reminder of the urgent need to bridge the gap between policy and action. “It is encouraging that one suspect has been arrested, but justice for survivors must be swift and comprehensive. Too often, GBV cases collapse in court due to weak investigations or intimidation of victims,” said a Nairobi-based gender rights advocate.
The NPS pledged to remain at the forefront of combating GBV, reiterating its commitment to human rights, dignity, and fundamental freedoms. As the manhunt intensifies, pressure is mounting on security agencies and the judiciary to ensure justice is delivered and to set a precedent that such crimes will not go unpunished.
