Seven in custody over assault of woman at Nyamira burial
The suspects are accused of forcing the victim to participate in a traditional burial ritual against her will and physically assaulting her when she refused.
Four more suspects have been arrested in connection with the assault of a woman during her estranged husband’s burial in Nyamira County, bringing the total number of those in custody to seven.
The suspects are accused of forcing the victim to participate in a traditional burial ritual against her will and physically assaulting her when she refused.
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According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), one suspect was arrested in Nyamira Township Sub-location, while his three alleged accomplices were tracked down to their hideout in Kenyenya, Bogichora Location.
“The quartet is currently in police custody undergoing processing ahead of their court appearance,” the detectives said.
Three other suspects had been arrested earlier.
In a video footage, several men are seen forcing the woman, known as Mellen Mogaka, to throw a handful of soil into the grave as a farewell to the deceased, but she resists, prompting the men to whip her.
Speaking during an interview, Mogaka acknowledged that her marriage was troubled, stating that they were no longer living together with the deceased at the time of his demise. She maintained that she always showed her husband respect, even during difficult times.
“We had a troubled marriage, but I always showed my husband respect,” she said.
She explained that she was attacked after declining to throw soil into the grave as the family members of the deceased demanded.
“I had been warned earlier by someone that if I threw soil into the grave, I would not be able to move on with my life,” she said.
She added, “My children are young. I'm equally young.”
Accusations
She further noted that when she declined to throw soil into the grave, some mourners started to claim she was responsible for her husband’s death.
“I told them there were pastors around, and I was ready to swear by the Bible, but they could hear none of that,” she said.
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.
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.
“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,” NPS spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga said.
KEWOPA has 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 said.
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