Jackline Mwende has spoken publicly about her pregnancy, which was announced on February 21. She admitted to having an affair after her husband left her, and the attack occurred just three days after she conceived.
Mwende and her husband were living apart but not legally separated at the time of the incident. Her former husband attacked her with a panga, cutting off both her arms and leaving her with deep cuts in her head and one deaf ear, allegedly due to accusations of her being barren.
However, it was reported that her former husband, Ngila, had fertility issues that could have been treated. Mwende has now admitted to having an affair with a close friend, whom she refuses to name, and conceived three days before the attack.
Background and Response ¶
Mwende's plight drew national attention due to the severity of the domestic violence incident. Machakos County First Lady Lilian Nganga supported Mwende, helping her receive KSh 10 million electronic prosthetic arms. Additionally, a group of female parliamentarians, in conjunction with an international company, gifted Mwende a four-bedroom house and a fully stocked shop.
Mwende stated, "A day earlier I had been spotted with the father of my unborn child. We had sought accommodation in Machakos town because I did not want to bring him to my matrimonial bed. It was on the Saturday, July 23, and after spending time with him, I went back home," and "I lived alone because my husband had taken off three months earlier. On 24th, Ngila attacked me with the panga, forcing doctors to amputate both my hands."
Consequences and Current Situation ¶
Mwende expressed no regrets over her relationship, citing her desire to bear a child as the motivation. Her case highlights the severe consequences of domestic violence and the importance of support for victims.
The recovered account cited reporting by Nairobi News,Tuko.
