A disturbing scene from a weekend cultural event in Nairobi has sparked outrage across Kenya, after a video showing a popular comedian being attacked by a businessman spread rapidly on social media.
The incident took place during the Kutit Festival, a Kalenjin cultural celebration held at Carnivore Gardens. The victim, known as Bella Comedy a rising comedian and TikTok personality had been performing at the event when the assault occurred.
The widely circulated footage shows a man, identified by witnesses as Pavilion Kipkosgei, accompanied by another male, confronting Bella. She is first seen kneeling on the ground before being yanked to her feet. The man then strikes her multiple times in the stomach, as several people stand by without intervening.
A woman’s voice can be heard in the background asking in Swahili, “Mbona mnaachilia dame achapwe?” “Why are you letting a woman be beaten?” Moments later, the man drags Bella away from the camera’s view.
Speaking through tears in a TikTok video afterwards, Bella called the attack “humiliating” and rejected the accusations that reportedly triggered it. “You said I ruined your name online,” she said, addressing her assailant directly. “But did you report me? You should have gone to the authorities. Why are you beating me? How many people have reshared your story? Am I the only one?”
She insisted she had not even posted content about the specific matter in question, explaining that her work focuses on covering topics once they have already gone viral.
The comedian, visibly shaken, expressed deep disappointment that no one stepped in to help her. “Men were just watching, and it was painful because my fans had helped me get the ticket. I wish I never attended the event,” she said.
She also claimed the attack left her with serious injuries. “It’s not content I have suffered,” she said. “I don’t have kids anymore. The way he hit my uterus, he finished all my kids. I have suffered. If my mum were alive, she would be here with me. Right now, she sees me crying and people think it’s just for content.”
Bella said she lost her bag and valuables during the incident. In an interview with local media, she revealed she had acquired a P3 medical form to document her injuries and intended to seek further treatment. “I’m not well at all,” she said. “I’m waiting for the P3, then I want to seek medical attention.”
The viral video prompted strong political reactions. Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi condemned the attack, identifying the suspect as “Motiriot Kipkosgei, also known as Pavilion Kipkosgei or Pavilion Lounge,” and called on him to surrender to the nearest police station. “Violence against women is unacceptable,” Mr Sudi said.
Nominated Senator Hamida Kibwana also denounced the assault, linking it to the broader rise in gender-based violence cases in the country. “Violence against women has no place in our society,” she said. “We must stand united to protect, respect and uphold dignity. Disputes must be handled lawfully, and the law must take its course to ensure justice.”
Organisers of the Kutit Festival distanced themselves from the incident, issuing a statement to clarify that the attack had no connection to the event itself. “We strongly condemn any form of violence and reiterate our commitment to creating safe, respectful spaces for all,” the statement read. “Should the matter be reported to the relevant authorities, we are fully willing to cooperate with and assist in any investigations.”
Bella later claimed that Pavilion had reached out after the footage went viral, asking to discuss the matter privately. She said she was unwilling to forgive him and intended to press forward with her complaint.
The incident has reignited a national debate on public indifference and accountability, particularly in cases of violence against women. For Bella, the road to justice may be long but she has made her intentions clear. “I will not forgive him,” she said.
About the Author
