The family of political activist Morara Kebaso has condemned a violent attack on their relative during a public participation event at Bomas of Kenya, where discussions on the impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua were taking place.
The attack occurred last Friday October 4, 2024, with footage circulating widely showing chairs being hurled at Morara by a mob of goons.
His family is now calling for urgent action, demanding that authorities arrest those responsible and protect the activist from further harm.
Tom Moindi, the family’s spokesperson, expressed outrage in a press briefing on Sunday evening, decrying the lack of immediate intervention during the attack.
“The government must bring to account everyone who was recorded doing the heinous act at Bomas of Kenya. Morara’s life is in danger,” he said, adding that the activist has been undergoing medical treatment since the incident.
Kebaso, known for his fierce criticism of government corruption and his exposés on public funds being misused, has gained significant public support.
However, the assault has left his family fearful for his safety. They are urging the government to step in and provide police protection to safeguard his life.
Patrick Mwongera, a colleague of Kebaso, revealed that the activist was moved to a safe house immediately after receiving medical attention.
“We’re not taking any risks. There are people who are unhappy with what Morara stands for, and we have even received a video of someone threatening to find and kill him,” Mwongera said during the briefing.
He expressed frustration with the authorities, stating that they had yet to report the incident to the police due to distrust in the system.
This attack on Kebaso came as a shock, particularly given the high-profile nature of the event.
According to Mwongera, the activist had faced difficulty entering Bomas, even having to use an alternative door to access the venue.
Once inside, his presence was warmly welcomed by many in attendance, but the situation quickly escalated when chairs were thrown at him by unknown assailants.
Kebaso’s team also highlighted suspicions that the attack was premeditated.
“We believe this wasn’t a spontaneous act. Morara was even denied access to the emergency exit when he tried to escape, which put him in further danger,” Mwongera added.
While the identity of one of the alleged attackers, a woman from Mlango Kubwa in Mathare, has been uncovered, Kebaso’s team has refrained from filing a formal complaint.
They fear that filing a report might lead to the activist’s re-arrest, citing previous instances where he faced dubious charges after exposing government corruption.
Morara, who appeared with his family during the Sunday briefing but did not address the media, has become a symbol of accountability for many Kenyans.
His team insists that his work exposing government wastage should be protected and celebrated, not met with violence.
Mwongera called on the government to recognize Morara’s contribution to transparency in governance and to ensure his safety moving forward.
“The government should provide him with security. He is helping expose the theft of public funds, and this is how he’s repaid? We are urging authorities to take his protection seriously,” he said.
By Sunday, questions had been raised regarding whether any arrests had been made, but Nairobi Regional Police Commander Adamson Bungei had not responded to inquiries by the time of publication.
The attack on Morara has left many Kenyans concerned about the safety of activists who challenge the establishment. As the investigation continues, the public is watching closely, with calls for justice and protection for whistleblowers growing louder.
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