Gitobu Imanyara opens up on slapping former First Lady Lucy Kibaki at State House in 2007

Lawyer opens up on drama at State House and slapping First Lady

Charles Ouma

May 5, 2019 10:37 AM

How the drama unfolded

File image of State House

Accomplished lawyer and former Imenti Central MP Gitobu Imanyara has opened up on a scuffle at State House that saw him make headlines after slapping former First Lady Lucy Kibaki in 2007.

In an interview with The Standard, the former MP revealed that on the fateful day, he had been invited to State House together with leaders from small parties by the then President Mwai Kibaki.

However, upon reaching State House, he was momentarily blocked as security detail sought clarification as to whether he should be allowed in.

“They said they had to consult whether I should be in the meeting. They allowed me in after a while,” he says.

What followed was a shrill scream, as the former First Lady approached him yelling:

“Why is he here? Who allowed him into my house?”

Gitobu Imanyara Pulse Live Kenya

Unaware that he was the target, Imanyara was beckoned to step out.

The former lawmaker recalled that he came face-to-face with an angry Lucy, dressed in her night gown, literally ready to attack.

“She started raining blows at me. She grabbed my shirt and called me names. I tried disengaging but she held on. I slapped her hard and she fell hard on the floor,” he says.

Fear of being locked up

Silence prevailed in the room as security detail quickly whisked away the former Expecting to be locked up, Imanyara left the venue but was surprised that no one blocked him.

Kenya's former President Mwai Kibaki (left) and First Lady Lucy Kibaki Pulse Live Kenya

“I thought someone would grab me and lock me up. They let me drive out and I sighed with relief,” he recalled.

Anticipating trouble, he called lawyer Paul Muite and informed him of the scuffle, stating that he had slapped the first lady in self-defence after he felt attacked.

“There is no way he would have made that up within the short duration. I believed him,” Muite confirmed.

Charles Ouma