The video of Kennedy Ng’ondi, a senior official in the Nairobi County Assembly, has sparked outrage online after he was recorded seemingly pressuring his Muslim female colleague to shake his hand and hug him during an office birthday celebration.
Ng’ondi, the Nairobi County Assembly Speaker, can be seen moving around acknowledging the good wishes from his colleagues, most of whom are already on their feet singing “Happy Birthday” to him.
In the video, Ng’ondi approaches his female colleague, who is Muslim, and creates a scene around her, urging her to stand up and shake his hand properly. Other male colleagues seated behind her also join in, encouraging her to comply with her boss’s instructions.
The incident has drawn criticism for its disregard for the woman’s religious beliefs and personal boundaries.
“Leo unisalimie na birthday!” he says, stretching his hand towards her. “Ni birthday yangu…”
Behind her, some men shout, “Salimia watu, salimia watu!”
At this point, the woman is already evidently flustered, as she appears reluctant to stand up and even look up, and even when she eventually does stand up, her uneasiness is palpable as he throws his hands all over her, attempting to get her to ease off and hug him.
“Piga picha leo! Picha picha leo!” he barks.
