Rights groups demand action after widow attacked at funeral

The Kenya Women Parliamentary Association (KEWOPA), the National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC), and the Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Kenya have strongly condemned the assault of a widow during a burial in Nyamira County, calling for justice and tougher measures against gender-based violence.

The attack, which was captured in a widely shared video, has sparked national outrage, with calls for legal action against those responsible.

KEWOPA Chairperson MP Leah Sankaire, described the incident as "unacceptable" and emphasized the need for accountability.

"Such acts of gender-based violence, rooted in harmful cultural practices, must be denounced in the strongest terms. Justice must not stop at arrests; the perpetrators must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law," she said in a statement.

The attack occurred in Nyabisimba village, Nyamira County, during the burial of the woman’s former husband.

Reports indicate that the couple had been separated for years, and she had lost contact with his family. After his death, her former mother-in-law requested that she attend the burial with their children.

At the gravesite, she was confronted by in-laws demanding that she throw soil into the grave as part of a customary practice.

When she refused, several men attacked her, accusing her of being responsible for her ex-husband’s death.

The brutal incident has been widely condemned as an example of gender-based violence disguised as tradition.

Authorities have arrested three suspects in connection with the assault. While KEWOPA acknowledged the arrests, Sankaire insisted that more needed to be done.

"This case must set a precedent that violence against women, regardless of cultural justifications, will not be tolerated," she said.

NGEC Chairperson Rehema Jaldesa echoed similar concerns, stating that such acts reflect deeply ingrained gender-based violence.

"Harmful cultural practices like this persist due to fear of stigmatization and ostracization. These oppressive traditions blatantly contravene the Constitution and international human rights standards, which mandate gender equality and non-discrimination," Jaldesa said.

She urged communities to find lawful ways to handle cultural disputes instead of resorting to violence.

FIDA Kenya also condemned the attack as "heinous" and emphasized the need for collaboration between law enforcement, community leaders, and cultural elders to prevent violence against women.

The National Police Service (NPS) also weighed in on the incident.

"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.

As the widow recovers, KEWOPA has emphasized the need for survivors of gender-based violence to receive medical, psychological, and legal support.

The association also called on religious and community leaders, as well as policymakers, to actively work towards ending outdated traditions that put women at risk.

“We remain steadfast in advocating for legal reforms, stronger protection measures, and increased community awareness to eliminate gender-based violence,” KEWOPA stated.

With the case now under investigation, rights groups insist that swift and decisive action is necessary to send a strong message that violence against women will not be tolerated.