Women MPs demand swift justice after brutal attack on woman in Meru circumcision procession

The Kenya Women Parliamentary Association (KEWOPA) has called for swift and decisive legal action after a woman in Laare, Meru County, was brutally attacked during a traditional circumcision procession, terming the incident a grave violation of human rights.

The incident, which occurred last week on Monday, December 1, 2025, sparked widespread outrage, with leaders and residents demanding immediate arrests and full accountability for all those involved.

In a statement, KEWOPA said that while six suspects have been arrested, justice must be delivered quickly and fully, and all remaining perpetrators must be identified and apprehended.

“The survivor must receive comprehensive, dignified and uninterrupted medical and psychosocial support. Her privacy, safety and well-being must be protected throughout. Every person responsible for planning, participating in or enabling this assault must face the full force of the law,” KEWOPA Chairperson Leah Sankaire said.

She said the attack, occurring during the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, highlights the urgent national need to address violence against women and girls.

Laare Police Commander Jared Marando said the assault, which took place at around 4:00 am, was reported by a resident who witnessed the attack.

“Police officers responded immediately and found the gang in action. Three suspects were arrested at the scene, but many of them managed to escape. The lady was rescued and escorted to Nyambene Hospital, where she was treated and discharged,” he said.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) confirmed that six suspects were arrested on the outskirts of Laare following forensic leads. The arrests come as authorities investigate a separate past gang rape incident in the area that recently surfaced through a circulating video.

Marando noted that investigations are ongoing to identify the victim in the latest incident.

“We have been informed of another past incident, which is not related to the Monday morning crime. It is claimed that the incident also took place in Laare. However, investigators are following leads because it was never reported,” he said.

Meru Woman Representative Karambu Kailemia urged law enforcement to intensify investigations and ensure all perpetrators are brought to justice.

“I condemn that evil act and ask our law enforcement teams to continue being vigilant in finding the perpetrators, both the rapists and those recording while cheering him on. Arrest and arraign the suspects. We should also ensure the survivor is attended to,” she said.

Njuri Ncheke Council of Elders Secretary General Josphat Murangiri also condemned the attacks, stressing the council’s readiness to use traditional measures to support justice.

“As Njuri Ncheke elders, we are ready to use traditional means to deal with the perpetrators of rape incidents reported in Laare. We urge the police to move with speed and bring all the suspects to book,” he said.

Residents have staged processions in Maua and Laare towns to demand justice for survivors and raise awareness over sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV). Former Nairobi governor Mike Mbuvi and Meru’s Mitunguu MCA Evans Mawira have offered cash rewards to anyone providing information that leads to the arrest of suspects implicated in the video.

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The incident adds to Meru County’s ongoing struggle with high SGBV rates, currently reported at 16 per cent, with previous cases including attacks facilitated through technology and mob harassment.

KEWOPA reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring accountability and protection for women and girls across the country.