3 Arrested After Video Of Woman Assaulted At Burial Goes Viral
NPS issued a statement on Monday, March 25, expressing utmost concern at the assault in a disturbing video that went viral on social media platforms.
Marvin Chege 
The National Police Service (NPS) has confirmed the arrest of three people in connection with the shocking physical assault of a woman during a burial ceremony in the Kiambere area, Mwongorisi Sub-Location, Nyamira County.
NPS issued a statement on Monday, March 24, expressing utmost concern at the assault in a disturbing video that went viral on social media platforms. The incident reportedly took place on Friday, March 21.
The footage captured the woman being assaulted before being forced into her late husband's grave. The incident triggered widespread outrage, with many denouncing the act as cruel and utterly degrading.
"This incident is not only unfortunate but also deeply regrettable, as it is devoid of civility and basic human dignity," stated NPS in part.
Mellen Mogaka who was taken from a tea plantation to her estranged hubby's grave. /CITIZEN TV
"Following inquiries regarding this troubling footage, the National Police Service confirms that the incident occurred on Friday, 21 March 2025, in the Kiambere area, Mwongorisi Sub-Location of Nyamira County."
The police service revealed that the victim has since been identified, and three suspects were swiftly arrested. They are currently in custody, awaiting processing and arraignment.
Police have commended members of the public for providing crucial information that led to the arrests. The NPS has reaffirmed its commitment to upholding law and order and ensuring that those responsible for such acts face justice.
The woman, identified as Mellen Mogaka, was attacked by three men during the burial for allegedly refusing to pour soil into her late husband’s grave. Reports indicate that her late husband’s family was against her decision to leave her matrimonial home, with the viral video showing Mellen crying out for help.
While recovering from her injuries at home, Mellen recalled the traumatic ordeal, revealing that both she and her parents were assaulted. "A woman came and stripped off my clothes, leaving even my undergarments covered in dirt. They even put dirt in my ears before forcing me into the grave, burying my shoes along with my hair," she told the media.
Mellen’s father, Nehemiah Matundura, also suffered violence during the incident, saying "I was thrown around and shaken. They took my child and tossed them into the grave. Even the brownish Kaunda suit I was wearing was soiled."
Her mother, Jelia Kerubo, described the ordeal as deeply humiliating and inhumane, lamenting that "After people had left, they forced my child to lick soil from the grave and poured water on her to drink. They took her shoes and threw them into the grave. Now tell me, what kind of tradition is this?"
Despite widespread outrage, some Gusii elders defended the attack, claiming that Mellen's refusal to participate in the burial ritual led to the incident. "We cannot state that this is about human rights and whatnot. This is about culture and traditions, and people respect their rights," Obino Nyambane, a Gusii senior elder said.
However, under Section 250 of the Penal Code, unlawfully assaulting another person is classified as a misdemeanour, punishable by imprisonment.
Additionally, various legal frameworks, including the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), explicitly criminalize gender-based violence, even when justified by cultural traditions.
