Nairobi Chief Officer for Citizen Engagement Geoffrey Mosiria has called for swift investigations and accountability following the alleged burning of Steve Godia, an incident that has triggered public outrage and renewed debate on gender-based violence against men.
In two separate posts on his X account, Mosiria described the situation as heartbreaking and unacceptable, saying what was initially considered a private matter had escalated into a national concern.
“What began as a private matter has now become a painful national conversation. The alleged burning of Steve Godia and reports that money was withdrawn from his M-Pesa account after the attack are serious criminal allegations that must not be ignored,” he wrote.
Mosiria further termed the claims surrounding the incident as grave, adding, “It should never have reached a point where a man is allegedly burned and left fighting for his life.”
On the basis of the seriousness of the allegations, Mosiria directly called on law enforcement to act. “I am calling upon the police to immediately arrest Gladwel Kagai and allow the justice system to take its full course. Arrest is not a conviction; it is a necessary legal step to ensure proper investigations are conducted without interference,” he stated.
He also urged the Gender-Based Violence department and relevant investigative agencies to handle the matter firmly and transparently, stressing that no one should appear to be above the law.
“Gender-Based Violence is not selective. Men too are suffering in silence,” Mosiria wrote, adding that empowering the boy child does not compete with empowering the girl child but instead ensures “balance, protection and justice for all.”
As the case draws national attention, Kenyans are now awaiting official communication from investigative authorities on the next steps in the matter.
Godia, a third-year student at Multimedia University, is recovering from severe burn injuries after the assault at his home in Umoja One, Nairobi County, on the eve of Valentine’s Day.
Godia says his girlfriend of three years, identified as Gladwel Kagai, confronted him at his residence over suspicions that he was still involved with his ex-girlfriend.
He alleges that on the night of February 13, Kagai boiled water and poured it on him during the dispute, causing serious burns to his head and upper body.
Godia further claims that after the incident, Kagai took two of his mobile phones and transferred approximately KSh318,000 from his bank accounts, allegedly leaving only KSh7.
He says the matter was reported to the police, but neither the suspect has been arrested, nor have authorities issued an official statement confirming the details of the incident or any arrests made.
