Tribute To Shiyukha Daughter

Zainabu Shiyukha, 37, is in turmoil. A victim of rape herself, she stares painfully stares at the portrait of her two daughters who were defiled last week by a gang of unknown men at their home in Luhome village, Ikolomani constituency, Kakamega County. 

One of the two daughters was not only raped but was clobbered to death by the hoodlums during the horrific incident.

The 13-year-old succumbed to her injuries at Kakamega County General Hospital (CGH) last week and was laid to rest on Saturday at their home in an emotional sendoff where angry villagers demanded the arrest and prosecution of the culprits.

Her 10-year-old sister, a Class Four pupil, suffered deep cuts on her hand and head and is battling for her life at the same hospital.

The events of that fateful day have left the mother of five in pain, anguish and regret.

Staring at the fresh soil on the grave of her daughter is a reminder of the brutality and lack of humanity in the human race. Every time she stares at the grave, anger burns in her and she rues not being there to save her daughters from the ordeal.

However, what annoys the mother of five most is that her daughter’s dream of becoming a doctor will not be realised after her life was snuffed out by the criminals.As she tries to compose herself to field questions during the interview, she sobs, the pain in her heart palpable as she struggles to speak in a small, faltering voice.

“Sometimes I wonder why all this happened to me. It breaks my heart that people can be so cruel to the extent of harming and killing innocent children because of their selfish desires. I’m only a widow, struggling to make ends meets, why mete such wickedness on my children?’’ she wonders.

On the fateful day on September 6, everything was going on well and there was nothing out of the ordinary. As usual, Mrs Shiyukha left her home in the morning hours to brew chang’aa at a local centre. 

Since the death of her husband, who was the family breadwinner 10 years ago, Shiyukha has been brewing and selling alcohol to keep her children from the pangs of hunger.circumstances in the presence of her children.

Her second rape ordeal left her firstborn daughter traumatised and she left their home for fear of being preyed on by rapists.

Shiyukha’s painful ordeal has left the villagers in rage, many calling for the arrest of the culprits.

Kakamega women representative Elsie Muhanda is among leaders, who have condemned the act, urging the police to expedite their investigations.

Muhanda has also called on the court not to be lenient with those linked to the defilement of minors. She observed with dismay the rising cases of rape and defilement during the coronavirus period.

Kakamega South Sub-County police commander Joseph Chesire stated the matter is complicated since witnesses in are unwilling to write statements.

Chesire said no suspects have been arrested but assured that they are pursuing crucial leads that will help unravel the mystery.

“There are many unanswered questions. She has not opened up to us where she was that night, though reports indicate she spent the night at her friend’s place,’’ said Chesire.