Shaffie Weru, DJ Joe Mfalme and Neville who run a breakfast show “The Lift Off” have been suspended for two weeks following utterances they made perceived to be glorifying sexual assault against women.
The trio were a few days ago on the firing line following their sentiments on sexual violence against women on Wednesday.
They were discussing an incident where a 20-year-old woman from Kiambu County, Eunice Wangari was thrown off the 12th floor of a building in Nairobi after turning down sexual advances from her date.
The incident happened last year at Ambank House within Nairobi CBD.
Homeboyz general manager, Somoina Kimojino on Friday issued a statement suspending the trio adding that an inquiry into the incident gave enough reasons to suspend the trio.
She said the Shaffie, Neville and DJ Mfalme will undergo a gender sensitization session in order to learn how to report in issues affecting women.
“During the suspension period, the presenters and all other Homeboyz Radio presenters, producers and the Homeboyz radio social media team shall undergo mandatory gender awareness sensitization training and training on ethical reporting and on-air discussion of women issues, sexual assault and gender-based violence,” she said.
“As the leading heritage youth station in Kenya, Homeboyz Radio will start changing the narrative around violence towards women,” Kimojino said.
Following public uproar over their utterances, Homeboyz came under fire from Kenyans forcing it to issues an apology indicating that it does not support sexual violence or shaming women.
A humble Shaffie issued an apology on Friday saying he regrets what he said.
“I sincerely apologize to Eunice and her family and I deeply regret any harm that I have caused with my words,” he said.
“I realize and accept that my statements about the unfortunate incident that happened to Eunice were very insensitive and hurtful and could be interpreted by some as encouraging the already ongoing and unacceptable culture of violence against women and girls,” Shaffie apologized.
DJ Mfalme on his part said “I do not and will never condone any form of violence against women and I will do my part to help put an end to it. I sincerely apologize for all the harm caused.”
