Nyamira County, March 25, 2025 — Shock and disbelief engulfed Nyabisimba village after a burial ceremony turned violent when a woman was viciously attacked by her in-laws inside a graveyard in a dramatic clash over traditional funeral rituals.
Three men — Robert Pokea Sarudi, 43, Bismark Ondiek Sarudi, 40, and Lameck Ogindo Osoro, 27 — have been arrested after allegedly ambushing and assaulting the woman, accusing her of causing her ex-husband’s death. The chilling incident unfolded on March 21, 2025, as mourners gathered to lay the deceased to rest following his tragic death in a road accident.
Sources reveal that the woman, who was married to the deceased for over nine years before separating, had been out of touch with her former in-laws. However, she was recently contacted by her estranged mother-in-law, who pleaded with her to bring the children to their father’s final send-off.
What was meant to be a solemn farewell quickly descended into chaos. According to witnesses, the woman was lured to the gravesite, where she was forcibly dragged and ordered to participate in a ritual — throwing soil into the grave, a symbolic act in the burial tradition. When she refused, citing her separation and emotional trauma, the three men pounced on her, beating her mercilessly and inflicting serious injuries.
“They accused her of being a curse and blamed her for his death. It was barbaric,” said a shocked mourner who witnessed the attack.
The incident was reported to authorities, sparking a swift manhunt. The three suspects were arrested in Mwongorisi sub-location after being tracked down by police. They were taken to Kiambere Police Station for processing and are expected to face assault charges and possibly additional counts once investigations conclude.
Nyamira County police boss confirmed the arrests, adding that “No one is above the law. We will ensure those responsible for this shameful act face justice.”
Meanwhile, detectives have launched a wider probe as more suspects, believed to have participated in the gruesome assault, remain at large.
The incident has sparked outrage, with local leaders condemning the attack as a disturbing violation of women’s rights disguised as cultural practice.
“This is not tradition. It is pure violence, and we must stand against it,” one of the leaders stated.
The woman is currently receiving medical attention as the hunt for the remaining suspects intensifies.
