FIDA, Gender Dep’t React To Assault On Widow During Burial
The National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC) and the Federation of Women Lawyers of Kenya (FIDA) have severely condemned the assault on a lady in Nyamira County on Monday, March 24, during a burial ritual.
Police have arrested three suspects accused of assaulting a woman at a graveyard in Nyabisimba, Nyamira County, during a burial ceremony.
— Cyprian, Is Nyakundi (@C_NyaKundiH) March 24, 2025
The suspects, identified as Robert Pokea Sarudi, 43, Bismark Ondiek Sarudi, 40, and Lameck Ogindo Osoro, 27, allegedly attacked the woman… pic.twitter.com/dCOWCUrRDs
They emphasized the importance of communities abandoning outdated practices in favor of legal alternatives.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, March 25, NGEC Chairperson Rehema Jaldesa said the incident showed deeply ingrained gender-based violence disguised as culture.
Elected female leaders condemn attack on a lady during traditional rituals at graveyard in Nyamira. pic.twitter.com/90jSwXKu8s
— tv47ke (@Tv47Newske) March 25, 2025
According to Jaldesa, the conduct violated both Kenya’s Constitution and international human rights standards.
“The Commission calls on communities to abandon retrogressive customs and seek lawful and alternative dispute resolution mechanisms like mediation and arbitration when aggrieved,” she stated.
“Harmful cultural practices like this persist due to fear of stigmatization and ostracization,” she added.
“These oppressive traditions blatantly contravene the Constitution and international human rights standards, which mandate gender equality and non-discrimination. No culture or tradition should override an individual’s dignity, autonomy, and human rights.”
During the burial, the woman was ambushed by her in-laws at the gravesite and forced to throw soil into the grave, which she refused.
Due to her refusal to conduct the ceremony, a number of people, especially men, began abusing her and accused her of being responsible for her ex-husband’s death.
The incident was later reported to authorities, who, using officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), apprehended three of the assaulters.
TRIO ARRESTED FOR ASSAULTING WOMAN AT GRAVEYARD
— DCI KENYA (@DCI_Kenya) March 24, 2025
In Nyabisimba, Nyamira County, three individuals have been arrested for assaulting a woman at a graveyard during a burial ceremony.
The suspects, identified as Robert Pokea Sarudi, 43, Bismark Ondiek Sarudi, 40, and Lameck Ogindo… pic.twitter.com/ZwpmIP8umY
The National Police Service (NPS) described the occurrence as unpleasant, lacking politeness and basic human respect.
On the other hand, FIDA lawyers stressed the necessity of collaboration among law enforcement authorities, community leaders, cultural elders, and all Kenyans in preventing violence against women.
The incident happened in Nyabisimba Village, Nyamira County. A viral video shows a group of men dragging a woman and forcing her to pour soil into her late ex-husband’s grave.
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The woman and her late ex-husband had been married for over nine years before they split.
After their divorce, she lost contact with her husband and his family for several years.
Kisii woman who was assaulted at a funeral reveals the SHOCKING reason she was forced to throw soil in estranged husband’s grave pic.twitter.com/MZVD1RGXD2
— DAILY POST 🇰🇪 (@dailypost_ke) March 25, 2025
Following her ex-husband’s death, the woman received a call from her mother-in-law, who begged that she accompany her children to their father’s burial on Monday.
“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,” said NPS spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga.
FIDA, Gender Dep’t React To Assault On Widow During Burial
