Kenyans were an enraged lot on the evening of Monday, March 24, 2025, after the Directorate of Criminal Investigations published information in relation to a brutal assault on an estranged wife by her late ex-husband’s acquaintances at his grave.
According to the DCI’s press release, three men namely Robert Pokea Sarudi, 43, Bismark Ondiek Sarudi, 40, and Lameck Ogindo Osoro, 27, were arrested for allegedly assaulting the unnamed widow during a burial ceremony in Nyabisimba, Nyamira County on March 21, 2025.
“…The incident occurred on March 21, 2025, when 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. As the grieving family gathered to bid farewell, the woman was ambushed by her in-laws who insisted she partake in the burial customs of throwing soil into the grave. When she refused their demands, they reportedly unleashed a brutal attack, accusing her of being responsible for her husband’s death,” said the DCI.
Law enforcement authorities were alerted of the incident and immediately set on the trail of the three suspects who were arrested in Mwongorisi Sub-Location, and taken into custody. Despite their incarceration, Kenyans were an angry lot that such an incident could take place in this day and age. Nairobi Post sampled some of their reactions to the incident below:
“Where is the well-fed man who was wearing glasses and a Grey shirt? He assaulted that lady the most. Unless you arrest and charge him, everything else is nothing but shenanigans,” said Muchiri M.
“This village needs to be visited by all security agencies so that the weight of the government can be felt fully. Why not arrest the huge guy who dragged her from the tea plantation and also flogged her mercilessly, the fellow needs not less than 10 years in prison, plus the woman in a brown jacket, very sick society,” added Orina J.
“Let’s forget about the assaulters for now, all those onlookers were just okay with such a heinous, inhumane act? What sort of misplaced cultures are this?” asked Githiomi S.
“They should hide their faces in shame…why would they abuse a woman that much. Akimwaga mchanga mfu atafufuka )If she threw the soil in the grave, would he have risen from the dead)?” pondered Njoki F.
“This is pure cruelty—why call someone from their place of comfort just to inflict psychological and physical pain on them? Will we ever have a peaceful day in this country without coming across such heartbreaking stories?” wondered Chege L.
“Some culture practices must be faded as per this era. Big shame. We owe to protect our ladies and their decisions,” added Bii A.
“Very good job, let them be used as an example for those who think tradition supersedes the law,” cautioned Nash N.
“In the clip (of the assault that went viral on social media) there are also spectators watching this heinous act committed, there is even a woman cheering, let all of them be comprehended as per the law,” said Onchwari M.
Meanwhile, DCI updated that efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend additional suspects involved in this distressing incident.
