Congolese rhumba maestro Koffi Olomide was released on Saturday from Makala Central Prison Kinshasa, five days after he was sent to jail for assaulting his female dancer on 22nd July at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
The 60-year-old was granted bail on Saturday night, after five days behind bars, on the grounds that “he has a known residence in the Democratic Republic of Congo, he is a famous star and his main interests are in the country,” one of his lawyers Benoit Tayeye explained.
The colourful musician had been arrested at his home in Kinshasa on assault charges whereby he was caught on video kicking one of his dancers minutes after alighting at JKIA Nairobi where he was set for a concert. The campaign to have him arrested had been spearheaded by Congolese MP Zacharie Bababaswe and women rights groups in DRC.
The MP had filed a petition for Koffi’s prosecution, following the viral altercation in Nairobi in which he appealed to his government to arrest and prosecute the Music Maestro.
[crp]
Koffi, who had been sentenced for 18 months jail term, was freed but details about his fee have remained concealed by both the prosecution and his defense team. Other quarters that have played a role inhis release include his alleged Victim Pamela Eyengo who led an emotional televised appeal to the First Lady of DR Congo, Olive Lemba Kabila, to implore the President Joseph Kabila release the Artiste.
However there no known reports that confirms the musicians release is as a result of the dancer’s appeal.
Koffi Olomide’s tribulations started in Nairobi moments after arriving in the country where he was caught on tape kicking one of his dancers a move created a storm on Social media warranting his arrest and subsequent expulsion from Kenya.
The now remorseful Koffi has since apologized to women in DRC Congo and worldwide over his outburst in what is being termed as known notoriety as it is alleged that the Musician is fond of kicking and mishandling his employees.
Prior to his deportation the Musician was set to perform at the Bomas of Kenya to a much anticipated Concert that has since left promoters counting losses from ticket sales.
If found guilty of assault charges on the dancer, he will face between eight days and six months in jail.
A seemingly remorseful Koffi was photographed with his family on his return to his home on Saturday afternoon.
The star, who has more than 30 albums under his belt, has a history of assault. In August 2012, the singer was sentenced with a three months suspended incarceration in Kinshasa for assaulting his producer.
