The Abagusii Cultural and Development Council (ACDC) has called on individuals and community leaders to visit Kiambere village in Nyamira County to provide guidance and counselling services to children traumatized after witnessing the dehumanizing molestation of their widowed mother at their father’s graveside.
Speaking to Education News on Wednesday, the council’s Secretary, Bosire Angwenyi, condemned the act as “non-African,” stating that it humiliated the widow and her children, who were already grieving the loss of their family head.
“African culture dictates that a widow and her children should be supported with food, shelter, and care—not subjected to harassment,” he emphasized.
Quoting a Kisii proverb, “Enka toyeruts nsara” (do not throw arrows at the grieving family), he urged the community to support the children, help them heal from their mourning, and facilitate their return to school as soon as their mother recovers both psychologically and physically.
Family members revealed that the late Joseph Osoro died in a road accident in Nakuru. His mother requested his estranged wife to bring their two children home to witness their father’s burial in accordance with Kisii traditions, despite the couple having separated three years earlier due to unresolved domestic disputes.
The widow, Mellen Mogaka, honoured the request and attended the burial. However, she was asked to throw soil into her husband’s grave as a way of proving she had no involvement in his death. She refused and instead requested to swear her innocence using the Bible.
“I am still young and cannot live alone forever. Throwing soil into my husband’s grave would have bound me to this home, preventing me from remarrying, which I find illogical,” she said.
A tearful widow who spoke from her hospital bed said that she followed advice from a friend who cautioned her against throwing the soil because the ritual would bind and confine her in the home.
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When she refused, Mellen was dragged by irate men who cane her several times and forced her to lick and throw soil into the grave, then released as she staggered to hospital for treatment.
Since then, the dehumanizing incident of the widow has attracted countrywide reactions from various individuals and groups.
Dr Magdaline Gesare of Egerton University termed it a gross violation of human rights, emphasizing that it perpetuated gender-based violence, a persistent issue in many families.
Kenya Women Parliamentary Association (KEWOPA) Chairperson Leah Sankaire strongly condemned the attack, describing it as an outdated and unacceptable practice that has no place in modern society.
The National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC) and the Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) also denounced the act, vowing to investigate and ensure that those responsible are arrested and prosecuted.
Nyamira County Commissioner Erastus Mbui also condemned the attack, stressing that it is unlawful for individuals to take the law into their own hands.
“We are living in an era of enlightenment, where disputes should be resolved through mediation, the courts, or dialogue and forgiveness—not violence,” he stated.
The Commissioner confirmed that three suspects had been arrested concerning the incident. He urged residents to remain calm and allow law enforcement agencies to conduct independent investigations to ensure justice prevails.
Additionally, he directed the County Children’s Department to collaborate with Kiambere village residents to guarantee the safety and well-being of the two children who lost their father.
By Enock Okong’o
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