Three suspects have been arrested in connection with the assault of a widow during her estranged husband's burial in Nyamira.
The National Police Service said it has noted with concern a disturbing video circulating on social media, which shows the woman being physically assaulted at a burial ceremony.
In the undated footage, several men are seen forcing the woman to throw a handful of soil into the grave as farewell to the deceased but she resists, prompting the men to whip her.
Her in-laws who insisted she partake in the burial customs are alleged to have accused her of being responsible for her husband's death after she declined to perform the ritual.
“This incident is not only unfortunate but also deeply regrettable, as it is devoid of civility and basic human dignity,” police said in a statement.
NPS said that the incident occurred on Friday, March 21, 2025, in Kiambere area, Mwongorisi Sub-location of Nyamira county.
“The victim has since been located, and three suspects were swiftly arrested. They remain in custody, pending processing and arraignment. We wish to thank members of the public for providing crucial information, which led to these arrests,” the NPS said.
The DCI said in a seperate statement that the woman, who had been married to her late ex-husband for over nine years, found herself caught in a troubling family dispute.
After separating from her ex-husband and losing touch for years, she was contacted by her mother-in-law and asked to bring her children to their father’s funeral following his tragic death in a road accident.
Reports indicated that when she sent her cousin to take the children to the gravesite, family members from her husband's side attacked her with sticks.
Mourners demanded that she performs the burial ritual, which symbolises a widow’s final farewell and goodwill to her deceased spouse.
Some cultural beliefs, however, suggest that such acts bind the widow to her late husband, preventing her from remarrying.
The clip evoked emotions as the widow struggled to disentangle from the men who had gathered around her.
The NPS assured that it remains committed to upholding law and order and will hold those responsible to answer to their barbaric actions.
