Kenya threatens to ban Koffi Olomide over assault

Kenya has reportedly deported and threatens to permanently revoke the visa of the Congolese renowned artiste Koffi Olomide over his alleged assault on one of his female artiste at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on Friday.

In a statement issued by Kenya's Gender Cabinet Secretary Sicily Kariuki on Friday, it suggested that on top of his deportation, his Visa will be permanently revoked because his actions.

"Kenya does not condone dehumanizing acts against women. We hope that this action will be a lesson to him and others of his ilk that gender based violence will not be tolerated and all who engage in such archaic behavior will face the full force of the law regardless of their economic stature and economic standing," Kariuki stated.

Kariuki in her statement also noted that his conduct is an insult to Kenyans and cannot be accepted in any form because it is a blatant violation of human rights.

Olomide's troubles stems from a video which went viral on social media that showed him assaulting the artiste which also led to his arrest by Kenyan authorities near a Kenyan local TV premises where he had gone for an interview.

According to his handlers the conflict stemmed from a clash between one of his dancers and his wife Cindy on arrival at JKIA.

The dancer had reportedly slapped Cindy and when Olomide learnt about it become furious and kicked her in presence of the Kenya police. Olomide has since the incident apologized, saying he had overreacted.

Who is olomide?

He was born on August, 13, 1956 in Kisangani, in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). He grew up in a middle class family, without any musical background.

During his youth, he mimicked popular songs with his own lyrics and altered rhythms until a neighbour taught him how to play the guitar.

He is the founder of the Quartier Latin International orchestra with many notable artists including Fally Ipupa and Ferré Gola.

Olomide's album Haut de Gamme, Koweït, Rive Gauche is listed in 1001 Albums one Must Hear before they Die.

He is remembered for receiving four awards on a single night at the annual Kora Awards in South Africa for 2002 and 2003, including the award for Best African Artiste, which he won in 1998.