Police looking for man who injured sister in brutal attack in Eastleigh

A 23-year-old woman from Eastleigh, Nairobi is recovering from severe injuries inflicted on her by her brother in a shocking case of gender-based violence.

Ridwan Abdullahi Hassan was brutally attacked on January 2 by her 30-year-old brother, Abdiaziz Abdullahi. The attack has left her nursing broken ribs, disjointed jaws, and a swollen eye.

Ridwan's troubles began on December 26, 2024 when she travelled to Uganda to visit her friends.

She planned to return to Nairobi to celebrate the New Year, unaware of the storm awaiting her.

Upon her arrival at the border in Busia, she was arrested by police officers, reportedly under orders from her brother. She was detained despite having committed no crime, but police eventually released her, citing a lack of evidence.

Her release only escalated the situation as she arrived in Nairobi. Abdiaziz allegedly used his influence on officers at the Pangani Police Station to have her rearrested.

Plans were reportedly made to transfer her to Garissa under unclear circumstances, but once again, police were unable to justify her detention.

Furious that the authorities had let her go, Abdiaziz allegedly took matters into his own hands.

Beating

On the evening of January 2, Abdiaziz reportedly brought Ridwan home along Kirongthi Street and began beating her. According to witnesses, neighbours who tried to intervene were unable to stop him.

The assault only ceased when Ridwan fainted. She was rushed to Bilal Hospital where doctors treated her for injuries to her eyes, ribs, head, and abdomen. Her left eye remains swollen shut, and she continues to experience severe pain.

Ridwan claims her brother's anger stemmed from her decision to travel to Uganda without his approval. She also alleges that he was frustrated by her refusal to sign documents related to financial transactions, which she believed could exploit her.

"I want justice; this should not be happening to me or any other woman. The government must bring Abdiaziz to book," Ridwan told The Eastleigh Voice.

Ridwan added that Abdiaziz confiscated her identification documents, including her passport, and her phone.

"At this age and time, this kind of barbaric behaviour should not exist. Women, just like men, have the right to travel and live freely," she said while crying.

In hiding

After the attack, Abdiaziz went into hiding and is currently being pursued by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI). His phone remains switched off, complicating efforts to track him down.

This incident comes as Kenya grapples with rising cases of gender-based violence.

Eastleigh is still reeling from the murder of four women in a case that shocked the neighbourhood.

A report by the United Nations on gender-based violence states that homes are the most dangerous place for women, where they often face abuse from close relatives.

The Pangani Police Station, which has worked to rebuild its reputation in recent years, now faces the task of bringing Abdiaziz to justice.

Advocacy groups have called for swift action, emphasising the need for stricter enforcement of laws protecting women.