A man in Kitale, Trans Nzoia County, was assaulted by angry residents after he refused a cash offer from Saboti Member of Parliament Caleb Amisi during a prolonged tree-hugging protest meant to raise school fees for his daughter.
The man, identified as David Wanyonyi, had embarked on a 120-hour tree-hugging challenge, claiming his daughter had been denied admission to Grade 10 at St. Joseph’s Girls’ School due to unpaid fees.
On visiting the scene, MP Amisi offered Wanyonyi between KSh50,000 and KSh53,000 to cover the immediate school requirements. However, Wanyonyi declined the offer, saying the amount was insufficient and insisting that his protest was aimed at securing broader financial support to “change his life.”
The refusal drew sharp criticism from the legislator, who accused Wanyonyi of exploiting his daughter’s situation for personal gain. Amisi termed the protest a “con game” and subsequently withdrew the cash offer.
As news of the standoff spread, tensions escalated among local residents who viewed Wanyonyi’s actions as ungrateful. By around 8 p.m., a group of youths reportedly forcefully removed him from the tree and assaulted him before dispersing.
The incident has sparked mixed reactions online, with some Kenyans sympathising with Wanyonyi’s desperation, while others condemned both the protest and the violent response by members of the public.
Police had not issued an official statement on the assault by the time of publication.
