Pregnant woman battered by husband discharged, taken to safe house
The expectant woman who was battered and seriously injured by her husband on Monday night has been discharged from hospital and is being housed in ‘a safe place’ together with her four-year-old child.
Ms Justa Kawira was admitted to Langata Hospital after the incident that was captured on video by a neighbour who later sent it to an NGO hoping it will help her.
On Thursday, police said they have recorded statements from the victim who had also acquired a P3 Form required to file a case of grievous or bodily harm.
HUSBAND ARRESTED
Lang’ata OCPD Elijah Maina said the man, identified as John Wambugu, was arrested on the night he attacked his wife but was released the following day on a bail of Sh5,000.
“The law does now allow us to detain a suspect for more than 24 hours and that is why he was released,” Mr Maina said, adding the case is being handled with the seriousness it deserves.
He said the suspect will be taken to court on Wednesday next week. Mr Maina said some of the neighbours who rescued Ms Kawira are yet to record statements that would help police with investigations.
WAIVED BILLS
The hospital waived Ms Kawira’s hospital bills a day after her father refused to withdraw money he had allegedly received from the suspect on his mobile phone.
Police arrested Mr Edward Mugambi after he caused a commotion outside the hospital.
An altercation between him and Kawira’s mother, Regina Gakuu, ensued leading to a fight that attracted a large crowd that nearly lynched him.
Mr Mugambi, the Nation learnt, had gone to the station the morning after his son-in-law was arrested and demanded that he be released so that he may pay the hospital bill.
Cases of domestic violence have been on the rise in the country with women bearing the brunt.
