By Francis Orina and Janet Nyanchoka
Three suspects linked to the assault of a bereaved woman at the graveside in Nyamira County were arraigned in court Tuesday afternoon.
Lameck Ogindo Osero, Robert Bokea Sarudi, and Bismark Ondieki appeared before Nyamira Law Court resident magistrate Beryl Achieng.
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However, they could not take a plea after the investigating officer Moses Kiptoo pleaded for more time to complete investigations and apprehend more suspects.
Kiptoo told the Court that the suspects, alongside others who were not before the court, are alleged to have committed the assault on the woman identified as Mellen Mogaka on Friday during the burial of her husband, Onyangi Osoro, at Nyabisimba area.
The court heard that the suspects inflicted severe injuries to the victim.
“I request the court to guarantee me more time to help the suspect who is currently recuperating from the injuries she got to fill a P3 form and also help the investigation to write statements that will help in prosecuting the matter,” said Kiptoo.
The court granted the police seven days and ordered that the three suspects be remanded at the Nyamira Police Station until then.
The case has so far attracted huge interest from human right activists, with the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) coming in as an interested party.
Brian Ondima, who represented the LSK, said that all the main perpetrators should be arraigned after the investigation window is closed.
“The police should be given seven days to conduct proper investigations and arrest the other culprits who took part in the assault,” Ondima said.
“Not all the suspects seen in the viral videos that are circulating on the media have been arrested.”
One of the amateur videos that has since gone viral on social media shows a woman being beaten next to a grave as a group of mourners attempts to drag her.
The incident has attracted widespread condemnation from across Kenya.
In Nairobi, some female parliamentarians asked for speedy and conclusive investigations, saying no woman should or human being should be subjected to such inhumane treatment.
Nyamira County MP Jerusha Momanyi condemned the incident asking the police to speed the investigation and bring all the suspects to book.
“We want to see justice done to the young lady. Any form of Gender Based Violence (GBV) should be condemned,” Momanyi said.
“Nobody should be forced to take part in outdated rituals.”
Meanwhile, West Mugirango MP Stephen Mogaka issued a public apology to women in Kenya and globally following the distressing incident.
Speaking on Milele FM, the legislator condemned the act, affirming his commitment to ensuring justice and upholding the rule of law.
“Naomba msamaha kwa wanawake wa Kenya na duniani kwa yale yalitendeka katika constituency yangu. Tutahakikisha sheria imetekelezwa,” Mogaka, in whose constituency the incident occurred stated.
He emphasized that no one should face assault or coercion in any form.
The MP expressed deep regret to the affected woman and her children assuring them of protection and justice.
He reaffirmed his dedication to human rights.
Earlier, the MP circulated a written statement commending the police for swiftly taking up the matter and apprehending the three suspects.
Mogaka pledged to work closely with law enforcement and relevant authorities to prevent such occurrences in the future, stressing on the importance of respect and dignity for all individuals.
