Outrage as rights groups condemn widow’s assault in Nyamira

A disturbing video of a widow being assaulted during a burial ceremony in Nyamira County has sparked nationwide outrage, with women’s rights groups, legal organisations, and government agencies condemning the attack.

The woman was forcibly dragged and beaten by a group of men after refusing to take part in a burial ritual for her late ex-husband, an act that has been widely criticised as gender-based violence disguised as culture.

As a result, the Kenya Women Parliamentary Association (KEWOPA), the National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC), and the Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Kenya have all denounced the assault, calling for the prosecution of those responsible and long-term measures to end such harmful practices.

KEWOPA Chairperson and Kajiado Women Representative Leah Sankaire termed the attack “unacceptable” and urged authorities to ensure that the perpetrators face the full force of the law.

“Such acts of gender-based violence, rooted in harmful cultural practices, must be denounced in the strongest terms. Justice must not stop at arrests; the perpetrators must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” she said in a statement.

The assault took place in Nyabisimba village, Nyamira County, during the burial of the woman’s ex-husband. Reports indicate that after the couple’s separation years ago, the woman had lost contact with her ex-husband’s family.

However, following his death, she was contacted by her former mother-in-law and asked to attend the burial with their children.

At the gravesite, she was suddenly ambushed by in-laws who forced her to throw soil into the grave, a ritual she declined to perform. This refusal led to a violent attack, with several men accusing her of being responsible for her ex-husband’s death.

Law enforcement has since arrested three suspects in connection with the assault, a move that KEWOPA welcomed but insisted was not enough.

“This case must set a precedent that violence against women, regardless of cultural justifications, will not be tolerated,” Sankaire added.

NGEC Chairperson Rehema Jaldesa echoed similar sentiments, stating that the attack was a reflection of deeply ingrained gender-based violence.

“Harmful cultural practices like this persist due to fear of stigmatisation and ostracisation. These oppressive traditions blatantly contravene the Constitution and international human rights standards, which mandate gender equality and non-discrimination,” Jaldesa said.

She urged communities to embrace lawful and alternative dispute resolution mechanisms such as mediation and arbitration instead of resorting to violent traditions.

FIDA Kenya also weighed in, labelling the incident as “heinous” and calling for a collective effort from law enforcement agencies, community leaders, and cultural elders to prevent violence against women.

The National Police Service (NPS) condemned the attack, describing it as regrettable and a violation of human dignity.

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• National
• Gender Based Violence
• Nyamira
• FIDA
• burial ritual
• NGEC
• EWOPA
• Leah Sankaire
• NPS spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga
• Outrage as rights groups condemn widow’s assault in Nyamira
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“The National Police Service has noted with utmost concern a disturbing video circulating on social media, which shows a woman being physically assaulted at what is believed to be a burial ceremony,” said NPS spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga.

As the woman recovers from the trauma, KEWOPA highlighted the need for survivors of gender-based violence to receive medical, psychological, and legal support while those responsible face strict consequences.

The association also called on community leaders, religious institutions, and policymakers to play an active role in eliminating retrogressive customs that continue to endanger women.

“We remain steadfast in advocating for legal reforms, stronger protection measures, and increased community awareness to eliminate gender-based violence,” KEWOPA stated.