The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has lined up five witnesses in the ongoing assault case against Bernard Kipkosgei Koyumi, alias Pavillion Motiryot, who is accused of attacking popular comedian Carren Chepchumba, known as Bella Comedy, during the Kutit Cultural Festival at Carnivore Gardens on August 9, 2025.
Koyumi faced charges of robbery with violence and assault causing actual bodily harm at the Kibera Law Courts on August 12, 2025. He pleaded not guilty before Principal Magistrate Caroline M. Njagi. The prosecution alleges that Koyumi robbed Chepchumba of KSh 30,000 in cash and a Redmi 14 Pro smartphone worth KSh 26,000, while also assaulting her with kicks and punches, causing injuries to her leg, stomach, and chest. A viral video capturing the incident has sparked widespread public outrage.
The court initially set Koyumi’s bond at KSh 500,000, but on August 18, 2025, granted an alternative cash bail of KSh 500,000 with two contact persons after he claimed he could not meet the bond terms. The case is scheduled for a full hearing on September 23, 2025.
Chepchumba, who attended the festival to network with fellow content creators, recounted the traumatic ordeal in a tearful TikTok video, denying Koyumi’s claims of online defamation and insisting on pursuing justice. The incident has drawn condemnation from public figures, including Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi, Nominated Senator Hamida Kibwana, and Gender Cabinet Secretary Hannah Wendot Cheptumo, who emphasized the need to address gender-based violence. The festival organizers condemned the attack and pledged cooperation with authorities.
As the case progresses, the viral video and witness testimonies are expected to play a critical role. The incident has ignited public discourse on safety at events and violence against women in Kenya. Stay tuned for updates as the September hearing approaches.
