A man accused of orchestrating the assault of his 22-year-old ex-wife has been remanded in custody until a bail hearing scheduled for Tuesday. Jackson Keiwua, the suspect and ex-husband of the victim, was arrested on Friday and arraigned in court on Monday. Prosecutors allege that Keiwua ordered the woman’s brothers to attack her after claiming that he had already paid her dowry. The charges against him include intent to abduct and unlawfully confine the victim, Millicent Semeta Rotiken, at his residence.
The incident has caused an outcry nationwide, leading to swift reactions from government officials. Keiwua’s lawyer requested the bail hearing, and the court agreed to hold the suspect in custody until the hearing takes place. Investigations into the case are ongoing, with police actively seeking four additional suspects—Rotiken’s brothers—who are believed to have participated in the assault. A manhunt is currently underway to apprehend them.
The attack has prompted the intervention of various leaders, including Gender Cabinet Secretary Hanna Cheptumo, who visited Narok County to condemn the act. She stated that no cultural practice can override the Constitution, highlighting that the violence inflicted on the victim is not justified by tradition. Cheptumo’s remarks resonate with the wider national concern over gender-based violence and harmful cultural practices.
Rebecca Tonkei, the Woman Representative for Narok, also condemned the assault and vowed that the matter would not be swept under the rug. She emphasized that women have the right to make their own choices, and no one should be allowed to interfere with their personal freedom. This incident marks the second such occurrence in the region, fueling calls for tougher actions against those who perpetrate such acts of violence.
As the legal proceedings continue, the fate of the four brothers remains uncertain, with police yet to make any arrests. The case has drawn attention to the need for stronger enforcement of laws that protect victims of domestic violence, as well as the growing awareness of women’s rights in the country.
