- She was locked in a room where the husband hit her repeatedly with a metal rod
- Wanja was only rescued when her niece reported the incident to the police two days later, prompting the husband's arrest
Image: COURTSEY
A 38-year-old woman is receiving treatment at Naivasha subcounty hospital after she was attacked by her husband during a quarrel over Sh200.
Rose Wanja reported that her husband came home on Monday while drunk and accused her of taking the money he claimed he had left in the house.
She was locked in a room where the husband hit her repeatedly with a metal rod.
Despite neighbours’ attempts to intervene, Wanja was only rescued when her niece reported the incident to the police two days later, prompting the husband's arrest.
The mother of three said her 22-year marriage has been marked by repeated physical abuse.
“My husband served a three-year jail term at Naivasha GK prison after he assaulted and killed our two-month-old baby with a metal rod, nine years ago in a similar incident,” she said.
He should face the law for his actions to serve as a deterrent to others, the victim added.
Deputy Chief Nurse Benjamin Mwaura said Wanja was admitted with severe bruises on her face, legs, neck and a fractured pelvis.
Although her condition has stabilised, Mwaura said she remains unable to walk due to the pelvic fracture, which may take months to recover.
The hospital continues to handle numerous cases of gender-based violence, he added, highlighting a recent case where a woman was scalded using hot water by her husband.
John Kinuthia, Naivasha GBV cluster coordinator, said they will provide Wanja with safe shelter and psychosocial support to aid her recovery from the trauma and bruises.
Kinuthia expressed concern over the rising cases of gender-based violence, often linked to mental health issues and economic hardships faced by families.
“We have seen an increase in violence against women in Naivasha, particularly in the areas of Kabati, Kinamba, Karati and Mai Mahiu,” Kinuthia said.
He commended the efforts of the police and judiciary in swiftly handling abuse and violence cases, urging victims to report such incidents to authorities for prompt action.
The government has committed to end gender based violence by 2026.
The state, in partnership with non-state actors, has also facilitated establishment of gender desks at police stations across the country where victims of violence report these incidents.
Although several laws have been enacted to address the root cause of these incidents, cases continue to be reported daily.
According to the Kenya Democratic Health Survey, 2022, over 31 per cent of women in Nakuru aged between 15 and 49 years have faced physical, sexual, and emotional violence from their partners.
The report revealed that 24 per cent of women in the county have experienced physical violence since the age of 15.
Nationally, statistics indicate that over 40 per cent of women in marriage have experienced physical violence, with hundreds killed mostly by their partners.