Photo: Courtesy
Police are investigating an incident in which a woman died from injuries sustained in an attack by her estranged husband in the Narok North sub-county.
Twenty-two-year-old Martha Njeri sought refuge with her sister in the Enabelbel area, where the suspect tracked her down.
The deceased had sought refuge at her relative’s place after separating from her husband, Peter Lemaiyan, due to marital conflicts.
Sources revealed to Citizen TV that Lemaiyan attacked Njeri with a machete and fled the scene. Martha had gone to use a latrine in her sister’s compound when she was heard screaming in pain. She was left bleeding at the scene until she was taken to a nearby hospital, where she passed away during treatment.
“It was around 8:00 pm, we had just returned from work in Rugurutu. My sister went to the market to buy vegetables. When she returned, she went to use the restroom. Then I heard her screaming, saying Lemaiyan had attacked her,” Zipporah recounted with anguish.
The tragic incident was reported at Kisiriri Police Station, prompting officers to commence their investigation promptly.
Femicides in Kenya
The escalation of femicide cases in Kenya during 2024 is deeply troubling, highlighted by the tragic deaths of at least 14 women at the hands of their ex-partners in January alone.
This disturbing trend has sparked widespread concern and outcry among stakeholders. Opposition leader Raila Odinga has voiced his alarm, urging government security agencies to urgently address and combat the escalating violence against women perpetrated by their former romantic partners.
The need for decisive action to protect women’s lives and ensure their safety has become a pressing issue that demands immediate attention and intervention from authorities and society at large.
The veteran politician emphasized that no excuse could justify the murders, describing the tragedies as a national emergency.
Data from Amnesty International reveals that over 500 cases of femicide have been reported in Kenya since 2017.
