A 28-year-old mother is fighting for her life at the Siaya County Referral Hospital following a gruesome gender-based violence attack allegedly perpetrated by her estranged ex-husband.
The victim, Pauline Akinyi Otieno, is recovering from severe multiple head, face, back, and hand injuries sustained during the violent encounter.
Speaking from her hospital bed, Ms. Otieno recounted how the suspect, Fredrick Adundo, with whom she separated a year ago trailed her to her home under the guise of visiting.
”I had just returned home from the kitchen when I realized someone had snuck inside,” Otieno narrated, speaking in Kiswahili. “Before I could process what was happening, he struck me hard from behind with a panga. I fell and lost consciousness.”
According to the victim, neighbors and family members rushed to her rescue after hearing her cries, forcing the assailant to flee. She was initially rushed to Ligega Health Centre before being transferred to the Siaya County Referral Hospital for specialized emergency treatment.
Otieno noted that the attack followed a long-standing domestic dispute stemming from a custody battle over their child.
She appealed for justice and enhanced security protection, noting that her attacker has continuously harassed her despite their separation.
Siaya County Secretary and Head of Public Service, Elizabeth Adongo, strongly condemned the incident, labeling it a chilling reminder of the escalating cases of gender-based violence (GBV) in the region.
”We are here on behalf of our governor to reiterate and uphold the rights of women and girls when it comes to the violation of their rights,” Ms. Adongo stated. “This is an active, economically sound, and mentally sound young lady going about her business, making her choices as guided by the constitution.”
Adongo lauded the hospital’s medical team, led by Dr. Magoha, for their swift responsiveness, noting that medical staff spent nearly five hours in surgery stitching up severe lacerations across the victim’s head, face, and hands.
”The responsiveness of a service can determine the outcome of a patient,” Adongo noted. “Because of the timely responsiveness, commitment, and professionalism we have seen, I’m happy to say that the patient is stable.”
The County Secretary called for concerted multi-agency efforts to ensure the suspect is swiftly apprehended and prosecuted.
She emphasized that the county administration, law enforcement agencies, community support groups, and the judiciary must work hand-in-hand to deter future incidents.
”In cases such as this, you are halfway there when justice is done,” Adongo said. “We ask all the agencies law enforcement, the community, support networks, and the courts to do their part.
It is only through such stern action that we are able to deter further action from cases that would have come and provide true justice.”
Adongo added that the county government remains committed to supporting Ms. Otieno through her rehabilitation and psychosocial recovery journey, assuring that local gender officers and youth coordinators are closely monitoring the case.
