Chaos unfolded at the Kitale Museum on Friday afternoon when a modeling competition, organized by Mary Biketi, was violently interrupted by more than 50 armed youths.
The unexpected disruption forced the event, which was meant to highlight local young talent, to come to an abrupt end.
The disturbance occurred just as Biketi, founder of the Mary Biketi Foundation, had taken her seat, moments before the aspiring models were scheduled to take the stage.
Eyewitnesses reported that the attackers, believed to be from a nearby informal settlement on the outskirts of Kitale town, stormed the venue, aggressively demanding money from Biketi.
"They arrived shouting 'hatujapangwa' (Which loosely translates to: 'We've not been paid').
"They first targeted Kobi and then Jerry, who were in charge of security before everyone else fled, trying to escape the chaos," an eyewitness recounted.
According to the Standard, the chaos that ensued resulted in damage to Biketi’s vehicle, with its rear window being shattered.
Unfortunately, two young female models were reported to have suffered minor injuries during the turmoil, and their mobile phones were also stolen.
Security personnel acted swiftly to evacuate Biketi, the founder of the Mary Biketi Foundation, from the dangerous situation.
Both she and other witnesses have since provided statements to the authorities at the Kitale Police Headquarters.
In the aftermath, a Biketi strongly condemned the attack.
"This is truly unfortunate. What happened today is completely unacceptable and must never happen again in Trans Nzoia. Our event was focused solely on empowering young people. The foundation’s mission is to support those less fortunate. There is no political agenda behind our work," she stated.
Biketi further explained that the competition was aimed at identifying and nurturing young ambassadors who could carry forward the foundation’s humanitarian efforts.
Peninah Makambi, the Coordinator of the foundation, shared Biketi's concerns, describing the attack as "barbaric" and stressing the importance of holding those responsible accountable.
"We demand a swift and comprehensive investigation, and all individuals involved must face justice," Makambi firmly stated.