Kajiado Woman Shares Experience of Leaving Marriage Multiple Times

Jenny Sanchi, a woman from Kajiado, recounts her tumultuous marriage and the reasons she repeatedly returned to her husband. Deeply in love with her ex-husband, Jenny often disregarded her parents’ advice. Married at a young age, the first three years of her marriage were blissful before she began to see her husband’s true nature.

Jenny left her marriage ten times, but each time she was drawn back by her uncles and her love for her children. She describes meeting her ex-husband at her aunt’s house, where he was a neighbor. Their relationship grew during a wedding while they were in high school, and despite initial impressions, she saw no early warning signs due to her aunt’s endorsement of him.

As their friendship developed, Jenny chose to marry him instead of continuing her education. Her ex-husband promised her father he would care for her and ensure she could continue her studies. However, after three years of marriage, problems began to surface, especially after the birth of their first child.

Jenny recalls how her husband imposed strict rules, including a curfew and restrictions on her clothing. The first instance of physical abuse occurred when she came home late from a community event. This incident marked the beginning of escalating abuse throughout their marriage.

Despite the worsening situation, Jenny remained hopeful that her husband would change. Each time she left, she felt she was truly done, but she kept returning due to pressure from her uncles and the hope instilled by her children. Her ex-husband would often feign remorse, apologizing in front of family members, who believed his acts of contrition. However, Jenny knew his true character and the cycle of abuse would continue.

Jenny’s breaking point came when her husband nearly choked her to death. A pastor’s wife, whom Jenny described as heaven-sent, intervened and helped her escape. Jenny left with the pastor’s wife, realizing that her life was in danger if she stayed.