A shocking incident in Chemase, Tinderet Constituency in Nandi County, has left a 26-year-old woman struggling for her future after her hand was severed during a violent confrontation over a land dispute.
The young woman, identified as Faith Jebitok, had leased a portion of farmland to plant sugarcane. Conflict arose after she discovered that the man who had leased her the land had secretly harvested and sold her crop without her knowledge. When she confronted him about the matter, he reportedly turned violent, hurling insults before picking up a panga and chopping off her left hand.
Faith, who has been working as a restaurant attendant to support her siblings, is now faced with the devastating reality of living with one hand. Tearfully, she recounted her ordeal, questioning why such brutality was directed at her when all she sought was justice for her hard work. With her livelihood now at risk, she fears for her family’s survival.
Doctors at Kapsabet County Referral Hospital confirmed that she was immediately operated on after being rushed in critical condition. The medical superintendent revealed that although she is now out of danger, she will require a prosthetic hand to regain functionality. Plans are underway to link her with support organizations that assist people living with physical disabilities.
The attack has sparked outrage among residents of Tinderet and the larger Nandi community. Local leaders and elders have condemned the incident, terming it a blatant case of gender-based violence. They are now calling on law enforcement agencies to act swiftly and ensure the perpetrator is brought to justice without delay.
Community voices have demanded that such violence should not be normalized, especially where vulnerable women are involved in land and property disputes. According to them, the attack represents a wider problem of exploitation, intimidation, and unchecked aggression that women often face in rural communities when asserting their rights.
Police in the area have already launched investigations, with assurances that justice will be served. Meanwhile, Faith continues to recover in hospital, holding on to hope that the legal system will protect her rights and prevent other women from suffering similar brutality.
This heartbreaking case serves as a reminder of the urgent need to address violence tied to land disputes, while also ensuring women have equal protection and access to justice in rural areas.
