A woman from Makueni County is slowly piecing her life back together after surviving a horrific act of domestic violence that permanently changed her life and later led to the tragic loss of her young son. Known as Purity, her story highlights the devastating consequences of unresolved domestic abuse and the long road to healing that follows.
Purity says her troubles began after she married a man whose first marriage had ended under troubling circumstances. According to her account, her husband had previously chased away his first wife after a marriage that lasted about five years without children. Hoping for a fresh start and a family of his own, he later married Purity.
The couple lived together for three years but were unable to have a child together. Purity already had a son from a previous relationship, who lived with them during the marriage. Over time, the issue of childlessness became a constant source of tension, slowly poisoning their relationship.
She recalls that her husband grew increasingly violent, often blaming her for their inability to conceive. Arguments frequently turned into physical abuse, leaving her living in fear. When Purity suggested that they seek medical help together to understand the problem, the situation only worsened. Instead of agreeing, her husband reportedly became more aggressive and hostile.
Eventually, Purity made the painful decision to leave the marriage and return to her parents’ home, believing distance would bring safety and peace. However, the violence followed her. She recounts a terrifying day when her husband tracked her down while armed, confronting her at her parents’ compound.
What followed remains one of the darkest moments of her life. Purity says the attack was deliberate and meant to end her life. As she tried to shield herself, she suffered severe injuries that left her without both hands. Neighbours and family members rushed to her aid, and she was taken to hospital in critical condition.
After weeks of treatment and recovery, Purity was discharged, having survived against overwhelming odds. But the emotional toll extended beyond her own suffering. Her young son, who had witnessed the violence and his mother’s ordeal, was deeply traumatized. Not long after, the child passed away, a loss Purity describes as unbearable and heartbreaking.
Today, Purity is focused on healing and rebuilding her life despite the immense physical and emotional scars she carries. Her story has drawn attention to the dangers of domestic violence, particularly when rooted in blame, stigma, and silence around issues such as infertility.
Her experience serves as a painful reminder of the urgent need for early intervention, community support, and stronger protection for victims of domestic abuse. As Purity continues her journey toward recovery, many see her survival not only as a personal victory, but also as a call to confront domestic violence before it claims more lives.
