Three arrested for manhandling women in Kisumu

More than 150 women who were manhandled, harassed and beaten up by rowdy youths in Kisumu may finally get justice.

Police in Kisumu have arrested three people in connection to the attack on women at Jumuhia Hotel in Kisumu.

Angry youths on Wednesday stormed a meeting that had been convened at the hotel where about 150 women participants from Siaya, Kisumu, Homa Bay, Kisii and Migori had converged for a prayer meeting organized by the Inter religious Council of Kenya.

The youths brought the meeting to an abrupt end by claiming the meeting was being used to buy IDs from the public, allegations the organisers and the hotel management denied.

The attackers looted personal property belonging to the women such as laptops, cell phones, cash reimbursement and handbags, brought down the hotel perimeter wall and even threatened to burn down the property.

County commander Titus Yoma said investigation was underway and they will arrest more youths involved in the attack and ensure they are charged.

"So far we have been able to arrest three suspects who are in police custody and helping us with investigation," he said on Saturday.

This comes as religious leaders within the region and civil society organisations called for the arrest and prosecution of suspects to deter similar attacks.

Clerics led by NCCK Nyanza region chair Simon Achar have appealed to the residents, especially the youth, to refrain from destruction of property and investments meant to create employment and enable people to earn a living.

“It is sad to note that the property destroyed employs the very people who came to destroy the facility” Achar said.

He added such acts scare away investors and render many people unemployed.