A 45-year-old woman from Kigari Village in Embu North is demanding swift justice after she was allegedly assaulted by three men linked to a boda boda rider whose sexual advances she had rejected.
The victim, Janet Wawira, has been confined to a wheelchair for the past three weeks as she recovers from severe injuries sustained during the attack.
She is currently admitted at Embu Level 5 Hospital. Wawira says the incident occurred after she hired her regular boda boda rider to take her home from Kibugu market.
Instead of proceeding toward Kigari, the rider allegedly diverted to Kiagoci and stopped outside his home.
She claims he told her he would only continue the journey if she agreed to spend the night with him. When she refused and attempted to walk away, Wawira says she was confronted by three men who violently assaulted her, leaving her unable to walk.
She reportedly spent the night outdoors until a passerby found her the following morning and alerted her family. Wawira now fears for her safety, saying the suspects may target her again, especially given her limited mobility and frequent periods alone. Local women leaders have strongly condemned the attack.
Activist Mary Muthoni described the incident as disturbing and unacceptable, urging authorities to move swiftly and arrest all those involved. “It is heartbreaking that a woman can be harmed simply for seeking transport home. Those responsible must face the full force of the law,” Muthoni said.
