By Martha Okoth | March 24, 2026
A 40-year-old woman is currently in critical condition after a violent assault allegedly carried out by her estranged partner in Bungoma County on Wednesday night.
The victim, Marystells Kong’ani, a health officer at a local hospital, is reported to have been attacked shortly after arriving at her residence. Preliminary findings indicate that the suspect, identified as Bashir Biketi, confronted her before launching the brutal attack.
Residents living nearby reported hearing disturbances from the house late in the evening but were unable to intervene in time. Authorities were notified shortly afterward, and the victim was rushed to a nearby hospital with severe, life-threatening injuries.
Police in Bungoma County have since launched a manhunt for the suspect, who is believed to have escaped immediately after the incident. Investigators are treating the matter as a suspected crime of passion, with early reports pointing to a strained relationship between the two.
Local leaders have strongly condemned the incident, urging swift action and encouraging the public to report domestic violence cases before they escalate.
“This is a deeply disturbing incident. No one deserves such violence under any circumstances,” a local administrator stated.
The case has reignited concerns over the rising number of gender-based violence incidents in the region, with advocacy groups calling for stronger protections and increased public awareness.
Meanwhile, Ms. Kong’ani remains under intensive medical care as doctors work to stabilize her condition.
Police have appealed to members of the public to share any information that could lead to the arrest of the suspect as investigations continue.
