A 28-year-old mother is recovering in hospital after she was allegedly attacked with a panga by her estranged husband, who reportedly broke into her home in Siaya County and struck her from behind.
Pauline Akinyi Otieno sustained serious injuries to her head, face, back and hands in the attack, which left her unconscious and forced her family and neighbours to rush to her rescue.
Recounting the terrifying moments from her hospital bed, Otieno said she had just returned from the kitchen when she realised someone had entered her house without her knowledge.
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Before she could establish who had come in, she was struck hard from behind with a panga, losing consciousness in the process.
According to her account, the attacker was her former husband, Fredrick Adundo, from whom she had separated about a year earlier.
Otieno said neighbours and family members responded after hearing her cries for help, prompting the suspect to flee.
She was initially rushed to Ligega Health Centre before being transferred to Siaya County Referral Hospital, where she received specialised emergency treatment.
The survivor linked the incident to a prolonged domestic dispute involving the custody of their child. She also alleged that she had continued experiencing harassment despite their separation.
Her account has raised fresh concerns about the safety of women facing violence from former intimate partners, particularly where domestic disputes continue after separation.
Siaya County Government Condemns Attack
Siaya County Secretary and Head of Public Service Elizabeth Adongo condemned the incident, describing it as a serious violation of women’s rights.
Speaking during a visit to the hospital, Adongo said the county government was concerned about the attack and reaffirmed its commitment to protecting women and girls from gender-based violence.
She described Otieno as a young, economically active woman who was simply going about her daily activities when the alleged attack occurred.
Adongo also commended the medical team at Siaya County Referral Hospital, led by Dr Magoha, for its response to the emergency.
She said doctors and other medical personnel spent nearly five hours in surgery attending to the victim’s extensive injuries, including stitching wounds on her head, face and hands.
Despite the severity of the injuries, Adongo said Otieno was stable following the medical intervention.
The County Secretary called for coordinated action by law enforcement agencies, community support networks and the judiciary to ensure that perpetrators of gender-based violence are brought to justice.
She further assured the survivor of continued support from the county government, including assistance with rehabilitation and psychosocial recovery.
County gender officers and youth coordinators were also following up on her case.
As Otieno continues her recovery, the incident has once again drawn attention to the vulnerability of women facing violence within intimate relationships, and the need for effective protection even after separation.
