This archive report was first published on 8 October 2019.
On August 6, 2019, Norah Chepchirchir's life was forever changed when she was brutally attacked by unknown assailants in Eldama Ravine Town, Baringo County. The 32-year-old mother of two was deliberately blinded and had her eyes gouged out in a diabolical act of brutality that has left her and her family reeling.
Speaking to the Nyakundi Report, Chepchirchir bravely shared her 12-hour ordeal, describing the pain and trauma she endured as the assailants mercilessly removed her eyes. 'I can clearly hear everyone around me, but I can't even see my own hand in front of my face,' she said, her voice shaking with emotion.
Despite the challenges she now faces, Chepchirchir remains determined to continue her teaching career, albeit in a new way. With the help of the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), she is undergoing a six-month course on braille at the Machakos Institute for the Blind. The system involves touch reading and writing, using raised dots to represent letters and symbols to show letter groupings.
Her children, Sharon Chebet and her younger sister, are also adapting to their new reality, with Sharon, a Form Two student, taking on the responsibility of preparing meals for her mother and sister. 'Although it's a little challenging, I'm getting used to waking up as early as 4 am to prepare for school,' Sharon said.
The incident has left the community in shock, with police struggling to find tangible evidence to arrest the perpetrators. 'The victim says she is not aware; neither has a hint on who the culprits are. Nobody is also volunteering to share information on the matter,' said Eldama Ravine County Police Commander Rashid Mohamed.
As Chepchirchir navigates this new chapter in her life, she remains hopeful that those responsible for the attack will be brought to justice. 'I hope and pray that those behind the attack will pay,' her mother, Alice Chematia, said.
