Gender, Culture and Children Services Cabinet Secretary Hanna Wendot Cheptumo has strongly condemned the assault on content creator Bella Comedy during the Kutit Festival at the Carnivore Grounds over the weekend.

“I have watched a deeply disturbing video of the incident. We condemn, in the strongest possible terms, any act of violence, harassment, or assault against women and girls,” said the CS.

Cheptumo noted that such actions are criminal and also absolute contraventions of the constitutional fundamental rights and freedoms. “Such acts are not only criminal but also a direct violation of the fundamental rights and freedoms enshrined in our Constitution. They have no place in our country. Women’s rights are human rights,” she added.

Cheptumo assured Bella Comedy and the public that the Ministry is engaging law enforcement agencies closely to facilitate speedy investigation and that the perpetrators receive full legal action.

She also called on event organizers, venue owners, and security service providers at such events to observe the highest safety standards and keep all participants safe by adopting strong, effective, and strictly enforced preventive measures.

The CS reaffirmed that gender violence is a national concern and called upon all citizens to unite in eliminating it from society.

The video went viral over the weekend when a businessman, identified as Motiriot Kipkosgei alias Pavilion Kipkosgei, viciously attacked comedian and social media personality TikTok sensation Bella Comedy at the Kalenjin Kutit Cultural Festival at Carnivore Gardens, where she was performing.

The footage captures Pavilion Kipkosgei, accompanied by another man, attacking Bella. The comedienne is initially on her knees as Pavilion picks her up and continues punching her in the stomach.

Shockingly, several people stand by without intervening as the businessman continues to attack her. At some point, Pavilion drags Bella out of the camera frame and sight, leaving viewers outraged and demanding justice for the attack.

Bella Comedy later broke her silence after the assault. In the emotional TikTok video, Bella described the attack as “humiliating” and said it was triggered by false accusations from the businessman.

“You said I have soiled your name online, but did you report me? Why are you beating me? How many people have reposted your story? Am I the only one? I haven’t even posted anything about that child,” Bella said, fighting back tears. “My content is only about things that trend, I cover trending topics.”

Bella said what hurt her most was the indifference of the men nearby.

“Men were just watching, and it was really painful because my fans had helped me get the ticket. I wish I never attended the event,” she said.

Bella revealed that Pavilion Kipkosgei reached out to her after the assault video went viral, but she insisted she would still report the matter to the police and had no intention of forgiving him, despite his pleas for a private discussion.

“This is not content, I have truly suffered. I can’t have children anymore. The way he struck my uterus ended my chances of ever becoming a mother. I have endured so much pain. If my mum were alive, she would be here with me. Right now, she sees me crying from above, and yet people claim it’s just content,” she said through tears.

Bella also disclosed that she lost her bag and valuables during the attack. She added that she was seeking medical attention and had already obtained a P3 form.

“I am not well at all. I’m waiting for the P3 so I can go for further treatment,” she said.