Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have arrested three suspects for allegedly assaulting a widow at a graveyard during a burial ceremony.
The trio were arrested on Monday evening following a viral video showing a woman being forced to participate in traditional rituals against her will.
In the brief video, which sparked outrage on social media, a group of men were recorded dragging the woman and forcing her to pour soil into her estranged husband’s grave.
According to detectives, the incident occurred on March 21, when the woman, who had been married to her late ex-husband for over nine years, found herself caught in a troubling family dispute.
After separating from her ex-husband and losing touch for years, she was contacted by her mother-in-law and asked to bring her children to their father’s funeral following his tragic death in a road accident.
As the grieving family gathered to bid farewell, the woman was ambushed by her in-laws who insisted she partake in the burial customs of throwing soil into the grave.
When she refused to perform the traditional rituals, they reportedly began attacking her, accusing her of being responsible for her former husband's death.
Following the incident, police officers were promptly alerted and an investigation was initiated. The three suspects were trailed and arrested in the Mwongorisi sub-location in Nyamira.
The suspects were taken to Kiambere Police Station, where they underwent a brief interrogation before being arraigned on charges.
Meanwhile, detectives have launched a fresh round of investigations to identify and apprehend additional suspects involved in the distressing incident.
Commenting on the matter, National Police Service (NPS) Spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga described the incident as not only unfortunate but also deeply regrettable, lacking both civility and basic human dignity.
“The National Police Service has noted with utmost concern a disturbing video circulating on social media, which shows a woman being physically assaulted at what is believed to be a burial ceremony,” Nyaga stated.
“We wish to thank members of the public for providing crucial information, which led to these arrests. As a Service, we remain committed to upholding law and order,” he added.
