SIAYA: A young mother is fighting to recover after her husband allegedly attacked her with a machete, inflicting a grave head injury in a harrowing episode of domestic violence that portrays the relentless dangers women face behind closed doors.

Irene Muga, who is raising a nine-year-old Grade Four pupil, recounted the ordeal that left her nursing a deep laceration to the head.

The alleged attacker, a teacher at Nyasita Primary School in Siaya sub county, reportedly made severe threats before the physical assault, leaving her terrified for her life.

“I had to spend the night at my Mji Kumi leader’s home because I feared for my safety after my husband threatened to burn all my belongings,” Muga explained.

Despite seeking shelter with her local community leader, the threat soon turned into violence.

Her husband allegedly confronted her and struck her on the head with a machete.

“My husband attacked me with a machete and cut my head, leaving me with a deep wound,” she stated.

The assault has put the young mother in crisis as she grapples with physical pain and the emotional fallout of the violence.

“I am a mother of a nine-year-old child, and this incident has left me in a very difficult situation,” Muga said.

Seeking refuge at Miji Kumi home

Her decision to seek refuge with her Mji Kumi leader shows the vital role grassroots community networks play when home ceases to be a safe haven.

However, the details of what prompted the attack, and whether the police have opened an investigation, remain unconfirmed, as local authorities could not be reached for comment.

“I need help and protection because I fear for my safety following what happened,” she urged.

“I appeal to the authorities to intervene and ensure that I am safe.”

The attack comes during the national month of gender activism, a period dedicated to amplifying women’s rights and demanding decisive action against sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).

Muga’s ordeal is a grim reminder that awareness campaigns must be backed by swift law enforcement, accessible medical and psychosocial care, and firm legal accountability to protect survivors before it is too late.