BUSIA – A woman in Busia County is currently receiving medical care for injuries sustained during an assault by her husband.
According to Kenya News Agency, Metrine Okumu, 42, of Matayos Constituency, the incident occurred at a local drinking establishment on Saturday, when she approached her husband, Christopher Okumu, to request money for food. The confrontation escalated when her husband, assisted by another woman, attacked her, inflicting injuries on her face, neck, chest, and additionally, splashing her with the alcoholic beverage changaa.
Speaking from the Busia County Referral Hospital, where she sought treatment following the assault, Metrine disclosed that this was not an isolated incident but part of a recurring pattern of violence she has endured from her husband of six years whenever she has asked for financial assistance for household necessities.
The assault and its aftermath have drawn attention from the community, with well-wishers stepping in to assist Metrine. Among them, Fredrick Munuku played a significant role in facilitating her treatment and legal action. After witnessing Metrine’s condition, Munuku escorted her to the Busia police station to report the assault, before taking her to the hospital for medical attention.
Munuku strongly condemned the assault, emphasizing the importance of women in society and calling for a unified stance against gender-based violence. He expressed hope that the government would take decisive action against the perpetrator. Additionally, he announced that Metrine would be taken into the care of the Harvest of Hope Africa centre, a gesture demonstrating the community’s support for victims of domestic violence.
Munuku also highlighted the broader issue of women’s lack of voice, particularly in the Matayos area, urging women to assert their rights and position in society. The assault on Metrine Okumu came just a day after the global community celebrated International Women’s Day, marking a poignant reminder of the ongoing challenges women face in the fight against gender-based violence.