MP Kibagendi Goes Missing Following Viral Assault Footage in Kisii Restaurant
The National Police Service has launched a manhunt for Kitutu Chache South MP Anthony Kibagendi after CCTV footage surfaced online allegedly showing the legislator assaulting a man inside a restaurant in Kisii town.
Senior police officers in Kisii confirmed that the lawmaker has not been seen since the incident was formally reported, and detectives are now urging him to present himself for questioning as investigations gather pace.
According to a report published by Citizen Digital, the MP has been identified as the primary suspect in an assault complaint filed on Thursday, November 27, by 36-year-old Astariko Enock Omariba Moriasi. Officers familiar with the case say Kibagendi has been given the option of surrendering voluntarily to assist detectives in establishing the circumstances surrounding the altercation.
The victim—who appears in the widely circulated video being struck multiple times—told investigators he was enjoying breakfast alone when the confrontation unfolded. A report filed at the Kisii DCI offices states that Omariba was seated when an unidentified man entered the restaurant and positioned himself directly opposite him.
Moments later, Kibagendi walked in and headed straight toward Omariba’s table. CCTV footage shows the MP pointing at him before the situation escalates abruptly into a physical confrontation.
The clip, which has sparked public outrage, appears to show the MP kicking Omariba in the chest before grabbing him by the neck. Startled staff and diners rush toward the pair in an attempt to intervene as the struggle continues. At one stage, the footage shows the MP striking another patron who stepped in to calm the situation. The two briefly exchanged words before the MP walked out of the premises.
Omariba later told police he believed the assault stemmed from personal accusations made by the legislator.
“He stormed in straight at me, shouting that I must respect him… and to leave his girlfriend alone,” Omariba reportedly told investigators. He maintains that he sustained injuries in the attack and insisted the confrontation arose from what he described as a “personal dispute involving a love triangle.”
His legal team has criticised the pace of the inquiry, saying their client filed the complaint immediately and submitted medical documents to support his case. They now claim Omariba is living in fear, alleging that the lawmaker’s continued absence raises concerns about his safety.
As of Friday morning, police confirmed that MP Kibagendi had neither been arrested nor presented himself to authorities. Detectives say the investigation remains active, with officers expected to record further witness statements as they attempt to piece together the events leading up to the incident.
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MP Kibagendi Goes Missing Following Viral Assault Footage in Kisii Restaurant