In a recent incident that has shocked the community in Mbiuni, Mwala Subcounty, Machakos County, an 18-year-old girl, Ndanu (full name withheld for privacy), was brutally attacked by her 22-year-old boyfriend, Brian Waita. The incident, which took place in the evening hours of a seemingly normal day, has highlighted the pervasive and growing problem of gender-based violence (GBV) in Kenya. Ndanu, who is 23 weeks pregnant, is now receiving treatment at Machakos Level 5 Hospital after suffering deep cuts to her neck and a broken arm during the attack.
The assault has left the community reeling, with many questioning how such a violent outburst could occur in what was described as a peaceful and loving relationship. Ndanu, in her statement, expressed disbelief and confusion over her boyfriend’s sudden and violent behavior, stating that they had shared lunch earlier that day and everything had seemed fine. But beneath the surface of this shocking attack lies a broader issue that affects thousands of women in Kenya and around the world—domestic violence.
The Timeline of Events
According to Ndanu, the day started like any other. She and her boyfriend had lunch together before he left, saying he needed to fetch a donkey for use at the local market. When Waita returned, he acted calmly, washing his shirt as Ndanu rested. However, moments later, in an unprovoked attack, he slashed her neck and arm with a panga, leaving her bloodied and in shock. Ndanu was able to crawl to her bed and call a neighbor for help after her boyfriend fled the scene, locking her inside the house.
In a desperate attempt to rescue her, a local man climbed through the roof of the house and unlocked the door. By the time the authorities arrived, Ndanu had already been rushed to Masii Level 3 Hospital by Good Samaritans. After receiving initial treatment, she was transferred to Machakos Level 5 Hospital for more specialized care due to the severity of her injuries.
Juliana Mwendwa, the Nursing Service Manager at Machakos Level 5 Hospital, confirmed that Ndanu was in critical condition when she arrived. “She was unconscious upon arrival but is now stable and recovering in the orthopedic ward,” Mwendwa said. The deep wounds inflicted on Ndanu’s neck and arm, coupled with the emotional trauma of the attack, have placed her on a long road to physical and psychological recovery.
The Growing Threat of Gender-Based Violence in Kenya
Gender-based violence is a serious and growing concern in Kenya. Although statistics on GBV vary, reports indicate a troubling increase in cases, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic when lockdowns and economic hardships created environments where tensions and domestic abuse could easily escalate. Machakos County, like many other regions in Kenya, has seen a surge in cases of GBV in recent years, with women and girls being the primary victims.
Mwala OCPD Muthoni Wahome confirmed that investigations into the attack are ongoing. Authorities are actively pursuing the suspect, who remains at large since fleeing the scene. “We are doing everything we can to apprehend the suspect and ensure justice for the victim,” Wahome said. The police have urged the community to come forward with any information that might assist in the capture of Brian Waita.
This incident brings to light the deeper systemic issues surrounding GBV in Kenya. While public awareness campaigns have been conducted, many cases still go unreported due to fear of stigma, reprisal, or lack of confidence in the justice system. Even when cases are reported, the victims often face long, drawn-out processes in courts, and sometimes the perpetrators are not held accountable for their actions.
The Psychological Impact on Victims
The psychological impact of gender-based violence on victims is often devastating and long-lasting. For Ndanu, a young woman not only navigating the complexities of a relationship but also preparing to become a mother, the trauma of the attack will have profound effects on her mental health and overall well-being. Survivors of domestic violence often experience anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and difficulties in forming trusting relationships in the future.
Ndanu’s case is even more complicated as she is 23 weeks pregnant. The stress and physical trauma from the attack could pose serious risks to both her and her unborn child. Studies have shown that pregnant women who experience domestic violence are at higher risk of complications such as preterm labor, low birth weight, and even miscarriage. Ndanu will require specialized medical and psychological care to ensure her safety and that of her baby.
In her tearful statement, Ndanu expressed disbelief at her boyfriend’s actions. “I still can’t believe that my husband, who has always been loving and caring, did this to me,” she said. The emotional confusion and heartbreak that comes from being attacked by someone she trusted deeply will take time to heal, and Ndanu will need a strong support system in her family, community, and healthcare professionals to guide her through this difficult time.
Addressing the Root Causes
Gender-based violence is deeply rooted in cultural, social, and economic factors. Traditional gender roles and power imbalances within relationships often perpetuate a cycle of abuse where women are seen as subordinate to men. In rural areas like Mbiuni, access to education and resources for women can be limited, further increasing their vulnerability to abuse.
Machakos Level 5 Hospital’s Nursing Service Manager, Juliana Mwendwa, has expressed concern over the rising cases of GBV in the county. “The community needs to take a stand against this vice,” she said, emphasizing the need for education and intervention programs to prevent violence before it escalates to such brutal levels.
The government of Kenya has made efforts to address gender-based violence through legislation, such as the Sexual Offences Act and the Protection Against Domestic Violence Act. However, these laws are not always effectively enforced, and many victims face significant barriers when seeking justice. More needs to be done to raise awareness, educate communities, and provide accessible support services for survivors of domestic violence.
The Role of the Community
Community involvement is crucial in tackling the issue of GBV. In Ndanu’s case, it was the quick actions of a neighbor and a local man who climbed through the roof to unlock the door that saved her life. This highlights the importance of bystander intervention and the need for communities to stand in solidarity with victims of violence.
Community-based organizations and local leaders play a key role in creating safe spaces for women and girls to report abuse without fear of judgment or retaliation. Initiatives such as support groups, counseling services, and emergency hotlines can provide immediate assistance to those in need. Additionally, training programs for law enforcement officers and healthcare workers can ensure that they are equipped to handle cases of domestic violence with sensitivity and professionalism.
Conclusion
The brutal attack on Ndanu is a stark reminder of the prevalence of gender-based violence in Kenya and the urgent need for action. While Ndanu is on the path to recovery, many other women and girls may not be as fortunate. It is the responsibility of society as a whole—families, communities, law enforcement, and the government—to come together to address the root causes of GBV, provide support for survivors, and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice.
As authorities continue their search for Brian Waita, the hope is that justice will be served, and that Ndanu and her unborn child will find the strength to heal from this traumatic ordeal. More importantly, it is crucial that this incident serves as a wake-up call to the rising tide of domestic violence, urging everyone to take a stand against this pervasive issue before more lives are irrevocably scarred.
