A Kitui MCA who was assaulted by goons she links to Kitui East MP Nimrod Mbai has spoken out warning that her life is in danger following the weekend attack that has triggered widespread condemnation in Ukambani region.
Wiper Nominated MCA Jacinta Mwoni was among dignitaries and relatives attending her uncle Mzee Stephen Kamuthwa’s funeral in Makuka Village when four men attacked her.
“My life is in danger. I’ve been receiving strange calls since the incident and the goons associated with Mr Mbai have visited and threatened some of my relatives, including an uncle who tried to stop the attackers,” Ms Mwoni told the Nation on Thursday.
Tensions flared after Ms Mwoni criticised President William Ruto for allegedly sidelining Kitui East in development and voiced her support for Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka’s 2027 presidential bid.
“You all know I belong to Wiper and I must promote Mr Musyoka. I am not afraid to say that 2027 is his time,” she told mourners, who included Mr Mbai and Kitui Woman Representative Irene Kasalu.
Shortly after, four men believed to be part of a larger group of supporters accompanying Mr Mbai walked menacingly toward her. A commotion ensued as they tried to grab the microphone from Ms Mwoni and assaulted her. Police and mourners intervened and overpowered the assailants.
Kitui East MP Nimrod Mbai
Photo credit: File I Nation Media Group
The event resumed under heightened tension and Ms Kasalu stepped in to calm the crowd, allowing Mr Mbai to speak. However, he was met with hostility from the mourners, many of whom blamed him for the violence.
The following day, during a Madaraka Day event in Kyamatu Township, Mr Mbai appeared to justify the attack. In a defiant speech, the former police officer praised the goons, saying their actions were part of his strategy to secure Kitui East for President Ruto ahead of the 2027 elections.
“Those campaigning to unseat President Ruto should do so. However, we shall not allow anyone to insult President Ruto in Kitui East Constituency. We are telling those planning to insult President Ruto in Kitui East Constituency that you have the freedom of speech, but we are not going to guarantee you your freedom after speech,” he said amid cheers from supporters.
Ms Mwoni later tried to report the incident at Zombe and Kitui Central police stations, but said officers demanded she surrender her phone before making a statement. This raised concerns about attempts to frustrate justice.
Wiper Party Secretary-General Shakila Abdalla has condemned the attack and demanded the arrest of the perpetrators.
“The violent assault on Ms Mwoni by goons linked to Mr Mbai is not just a criminal act but a disgusting display of brute misogyny and political thuggery. She was attacked simply for expressing political support for Mr Musyoka at a funeral. A woman spoke and men responded with violence. This was deliberate and deeply political,” Ms Abdalla said.
In 2017, he was elected Kitui East MP on a Jubilee ticket and later joined the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
While critics accuse him of using intimidation against political opponents and civil servants, some Kitui residents hail him as a defender of local communities.
Despite his polarising approach, Mr Mbai remains influential in Kitui East politics. However, the recent incident has sparked renewed scrutiny and demands for accountability.
