Nakuru Woman Fights for Life After Brutal Attack by Ex-Lover

Governor Ann Waiguru of Kirinyaga has joined forces with a Nakuru family seeking justice in a brutal case of domestic violence.

The incident, which resulted in grievous injuries to a female victim, has drawn widespread condemnation with Governor Waiguru emphasizing that violence can never be justified as a means of conflict resolution. The victim, who serves as a co-director of a land-selling company in Nakuru, fell prey to a vicious attack on Thursday evening. The perpetrator was her former partner, with whom she shares two children and had previously maintained both personal and business relationships. Their once-amicable partnership had gradually deteriorated over time, leading to mounting tensions.

Before the attack, the situation had already shown signs of escalation when the woman's former partner orchestrated her arrest through the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), claiming she had stolen a company vehicle in her possession. She endured detention over the weekend until her partner withdrew the charges. The brutal assault occurred following what appeared to be a peaceful meeting to discuss co-parenting arrangements. The victim, who had previously relocated and ceased working at their shared office due to ongoing disputes, was attacked upon reaching her apartment complex.

According to Usikimye, an NGO focused on combating gender-based violence, she sustained severe injuries including head trauma, multiple stab wounds to her arm, and the severing of several fingers. Thanks to the quick intervention of the apartment's watchman, the victim received immediate medical attention. In a disturbing turn of events, the alleged attacker later appeared at the hospital wearing blood-stained clothing and demanded to see the victim, but was denied access by hospital administrators. The suspect remains at large, allegedly boasting about connections that will shield him from legal consequences. Governor Waiguru has publicly called for swift action from law enforcement agencies to apprehend the perpetrator and ensure justice prevails.

Police have issued an appeal for public assistance in locating the suspect. Against this backdrop of escalating violence, President William Ruto has directed the National Defence University to conduct comprehensive research into the underlying causes of femicide in Kenya. The President emphasizes the need to examine the interconnected roles of family structures, societal influences, and religious institutions in fostering moral values among younger generations. In response to the crisis, the government has initiated a comprehensive campaign titled "Safe Homes, Safe Spaces" to combat gender-based violence.

The program, scheduled to commence on November 25, has received substantial financial backing with a government allocation of Sh100 million. This initiative aims to mobilize nationwide participation in confronting and preventing gender-based violence through education and community engagement. The administration has placed significant emphasis on expanding public awareness regarding available support systems for victims. These resources include multiple toll-free platforms: the GBV 1195 helpline, Child Help 116, and the DCI anonymous reporting number 0800722203.

President Ruto stresses the critical importance of educating communities about recognizing warning signs of abuse and understanding available support mechanisms for those at risk. The urgency of this intervention is highlighted by alarming statistics, with 97 femicide cases reported in just the past quarter. This surge in violence exists within a broader context of endemic gender-based violence in Kenya. Research conducted in 2022 revealed that approximately one-third of women in the country have experienced physical abuse during their lifetime, highlighting a disturbing pattern that spans from 2016 to 2023.