A man was arrested on Friday, September 26, after police rescued a woman who had been violently attacked in an incident caught on a viral video.

The National Police Service (NPS) confirmed in a statement that officers acted quickly to track down those behind the assault, which took place in Mbene, Narok Central Sub-County.

NPS denounced the incident, describing it as a savage attack, after footage widely shared online showed the woman being brutally beaten in Narok County.

“The Service strongly condemns this egregious act, which constitutes gender-based violence, assault, and kidnapping. These are criminal acts punishable under Kenyan law,” the police statement read.

Police acted swiftly after the incident, rescuing the survivor and rushing her to the hospital for treatment.

Authorities immediately opened investigations to track down everyone linked to the assault. A suspect has already been arrested and is awaiting arraignment, while a manhunt is ongoing for the other perpetrators still at large.

“We commend the public for providing crucial information that led to the suspect’s arrest, and the officers for their prompt response. We appeal to anyone with information that could assist the investigation to report to the nearest police station or share information anonymously via the toll-free hotlines 999, 911, or 112, or by using #FichuaKwaDCI on 0800 722 203 or WhatsApp 0709 570 000,” the statement read.

The circumstances surrounding the video are still unclear. Reports suggest the assault may have happened after the woman rejected a marriage proposal from a man her brothers had favored, with the four men seen attacking her believed to be her siblings.

The arrest followed an outpouring of outrage from institutions and the public after the disturbing video surfaced.

The Law Society of Kenya had earlier condemned the assault, with its president, Faith Odhiambo, calling it unacceptable and stressing that no cultural justification could excuse such violence. The society also reminded Kenyans that the Constitution protects personal autonomy and bans harmful practices that infringe on human rights.

Women’s rights groups and media figures demanded quick justice, pressing authorities to move fast in arresting and prosecuting everyone involved in the attack.

The Federation of Women Lawyers in Kenya also appealed for public support in the investigations, urging anyone with relevant information to step forward and help ensure all perpetrators are held accountable.