Arrested: Koffi’s ‘Selfie’ tour ends abruptly
Congolese crooner, Koffi Olomide, was arrested on Friday night moments after appearing on national TV to try and clear his name over allegations of assault.
Koffi’s arrival in the country on Friday morning for a scheduled concert was hit by controversy after he was caught on camera assaulting one of his dancers at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
The incident sparked a public outcry that saw netizens call for the arrest of the musician who would later in the day post an online video to deny the accusations and try to explain his actions.
But his woes were far from over. Immediately after appearing on an live interview on Citizen TV on Friday night police office pounced and arrested him. The musician now faces possible deportation.
Speaking after the musician’s arrest Inspector General of Police Inspector-General of Police Joseph Boinnet said:
“We are outraged just like other Kenyan for him to deny on live TV what was captured on camera. It’s a despicable act and Kenyans should know we take gender based violence very seriously hence gender desks are open at all police stations for any aggrieved person to approach for assistance.”
DEPORTATION
The National Gender and Equality Commission led the condemnation of the musician’s actions with a statement demanding that he apologizes.
“It is unfortunate that the incident happened in full glare of the cameras and with law enforcement officers watching,” the commission’s chairperson Winfred Lichuma said in the statement.
Following Koffi’s arrest the Ministry of Public Service, Youth and Gender Affairs also issued a statement to laud the police’s action.
“We commend the action of taken by the Kenya Police Service and look forward to his (Koffi) immediate deportation. We further recommend that his Kenyan Visa be permanently revoked under section 35(4) of the Kenyan Citizenship and Immigration Act on account of his actions which are contrary to our laws and his subsequent utterance that portray Kenya in bad light. Kenya does not condone dehumanizing acts against women,” a statement from the ministry read.