A disturbing assault caught on video showing a businessman going by the name Pavilion physically attacking a female content creator, Bella Comedy, at the Kutiti Festival at Nairobi’s Carnivore Gardens has triggered widespread outrage.
The disturbing footage, shared extensively on social media, shows Pavilion, in the company of another man, physically assaulting Bella, who, at first, can be seen kneeling before she’s pulled up and punched repeatedly in the belly.
The outrageous act has prompted angry reactions from Kenyans and leaders alike, with Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi demanding that he surrender to the nearest police station.
The assault occurred during the Kutit Festival, a Kalenjin cultural event held at the Carnivore Gardens, where Bella Comedy, a popular comedian and TikTok star, was performing.
In the viral video, several men can be seen standing idly as the man repeatedly slaps and batters Bella though the exact trigger remains unclear.
At some point, the businessman drags Bella out of the view of cameras as a female voice is heard asking, “Mbona mnaachilia dame achapwe?”
Tearfully addressing the incident in a video shared on TikTok, the female comedian described the assault as humiliating as she attempted to clear her name from the accusations levelled against her by the businessman.
“You said that I have soiled your name online, but did you report me? You should have reported me if that was so. Why are you beating me? How many people have reposted your story? Am I the only one? I have not even posted anything about that child. My content is that I am doing it after it trends. I cover trending things only,” she narrates.
The distraught comedian also said that she was devastated that other men just watched as she got assaulted at the event.
“Men were just watching, and it was really painful that my fans had helped me get the ticket. I wish I never attended the event,” she said.
Adding that Pavilion had tried reaching out after the assault video went viral, Bella also revealed that she was planning on reporting the matter to the police and that she was not planning on forgiving him despite his pleas to speak on the matter privately.
“It is not content I have suffered. I don’t have kids anymore. The way he hit my uterus, he finished all my kids. I have suffered. I know that if my mum were alive, she would come be with me. Right now, she sees me crying and people are claiming it’s content,” she said amidst tears.
In an interview with TUKO, Bella said that, during the ordeal, she lost her bag and valuables while also revealing that she was seeking medical attention and had acquired a P3.
“I am not well at all. I am waiting for a P3 then I want to seek medical attention,” she said.
Reacting to the incident, MP Oscar Sudi said, “The assault on Bella Comedy by Motiriot Kipkosgei, aka Pavilion Kipkosgei or Pavilion Lounge, is concerning. Violence against women is unacceptable. Kipkosgei surrender yourself to the nearest police station.”
Meanwhile, Kutit Culture organisers distanced themselves from the incident, saying they were ready to assist in investigations.
“Kutiit Culture has learnt of a disturbing incident, captured in a video circulating online, showing a lady being assaulted. We wish to make it clear that this act was not in any way sanctioned or connected to our event,” they said.
“We strongly condemn any form of violence and reiterate our commitment to creating safe, respectful spaces for all. Should the matter be reported to the relevant authorities, we are fully willing to cooperate and assist in any investigations.”
Nominated Senator Hamida Kibwana condemned the act, terming it unacceptable amid the rising cases of gender-based violence in the country.
“Totally unacceptable, violence against women has no place in our society. We must stand united to protect, respect, and uphold dignity. No one, man or woman, should face violence — disputes must be handled lawfully, and the law must take its course to ensure justice for all,” she said in a statement on Monday, August 11.
The incident, condemned as a stark example of violence against women, has intensified calls for accountability and swift action from authorities.
