A man captured by CCTV cameras viciously attacking a colleague at Eastmatt Supermarket has been denied bail by a Kajiado court.
Ibrahim Kiruti Tarayia who appeared before the Chief Magistrate (CM), Susan Shitubi on Monday, had pleaded with the court to release him on bail as he was the sole breadwinner for his family.
However, the prosecution opposed the bail terming the accused as a flight risk and a danger to the victim Sharon Atieno as well as witnesses.
The prosecution argued that if released, the accused would interfere with witnesses as he had earlier been arrested and released under unclear circumstances.
“The accused was arrested near the Kenya -Tanzania border, hence he is a flight risk. If released he is likely to interfere with witnesses as well as be a threat to the victim who has since been forced to quit her job and relocate to Nairobi as she fears for her life,” the prosecution argued.
Tarayia was re-arrested on Saturday at the Namanga border after the Office of Director of Public Prosecution (ODPP) issued an order for the arrest following social media uproar over the incident.
He had earlier been arrested on Tuesday last week but was released on Wednesday after the victim allegedly withdrew the case.
In the video captured on November 19,Tarayia who was a supervisor is seen slapping Atieno, a cashier across the face several times before grabbing her by the hair and slapping her some more. He then goes around the desk and proceeds to drag and beat her until two other male staff hold him back.
The case will be mentioned on December 6, 2019
The Eastmatt Supermarket Limited in a statement has since confirmed that Taraiya has been laid off.
The supermarket further distanced itself from the assault citing that culprit acted solely. “We as Eastmatt condemn and do not stand for such heinous acts of disrespect against any of our staff and more so women,” read part of the statement.
“The individual in question acted solely and has been suspended with a report officially being filed with the Kajiado County police, who are handling the matter accordingly,” added the statement.
The County Gender Director, Rachael Ngugi slammed the act terming it as despicable and an unacceptable ordeal.
“It’s a barbaric and primitive act to attack an individual like that for whatever reason. Violence on women has been on the rise in the recent past and it is important that we exercise self-control and restraint before taking any action which may lead to an arrest and at times loss of life. I am calling upon all people whether women, men or children who might be facing gender based violence to come out and report so that we can protect them before severe damage occurs,” Ngugi advised.
By Rop Janet/ Albert Lemomo
