Alexander Mutethia
Police have arrested a man identified as Isaac Ochalo, popularly known as “Baba Wanja,” following the circulation of a video showing him allegedly assaulting a woman inside a house in Kamakis, Ruiru Sub-County.
The incident came to public attention on Monday, September 28, 2026, after a short video showing the assault was widely circulated online, prompting calls for immediate police intervention. In the footage, the man is seen allegedly pinning the woman to the floor and repeatedly striking her while she cries for help. A person recording the incident can also be heard pleading with him to stop.
The circumstances surrounding the assault, including what triggered the confrontation and the exact time it occurred, remain under investigation.
Following the circulation of the video, efforts were made to identify and locate the suspect. Police subsequently arrested Ochalo in connection with the incident.
The matter was reported at Gatong’ora Police Station, where investigators began recording statements from people believed to have information about the incident.
The arrest came less than a day after the footage attracted widespread attention.
Ochalo was presented before a court on Tuesday, September 29, where he was charged with assault causing bodily harm.
The court granted investigators 14 days to hold the suspect as police continue with investigations. He is being held at Gatong’ora Police Station during the investigative period.
Police said the additional time would allow detectives to record statements, establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged assault and gather further evidence.
Victim identified as wife’s cousin
Initial information surrounding the incident indicated that the woman seen being assaulted was a cousin of Ochalo’s wife.
According to information provided to investigators, the woman had reportedly gone to the residence after communicating with the suspect’s wife.
A house help is reported to have recorded the incident. The person behind the camera can be heard urging the suspect to stop, while the assault continues.
The victim’s current medical condition has not been publicly disclosed.
Earlier video also emerges
Another video allegedly involving Ochalo has also surfaced following the September 28 incident.
The older footage, reportedly recorded in August 2025, appears to show a man believed to be Ochalo inside a house damaging household property, including a television and sound equipment.
The circumstances surrounding that earlier recording have not been independently established, and investigators have not publicly confirmed whether it forms part of the current criminal investigation.
Police are expected to interview the victim, witnesses and other people who may have information concerning the incident.
Investigators will also determine the circumstances leading to the confrontation and establish whether any additional offences were committed.
Ochalo remains presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty by a court.
The case is expected to return to court after investigators complete the initial phase of their inquiry.
