The family of Winfred Mwende-the woman caught on camera being viciously attacked by her husband Daudi Nzomo at Kitonyoni village in Makueni county- on Friday received a donation of Sh 50,000 together with food and non-food items from the International Women Judges Association(IWAJ) –Kenyan Chapter.
Christmas came early for Mwende and her three children after Kitui High Court Judge Lady Justice Lilian Mutende and Machakos Senior Resident Magistrate Irene Kahuya on behalf of IWAJ handed over the cash and the items which included clothes, toiletries and assorted food stuffs at the County Commissioner’s boardroom in Wote.
Also present in support of the cause were Makueni High Court Judge Charles Mbogo and Machakos Chief Magistrate Alfred Kibiru.
Justice Mutende said the donation is part of IWAJ’s corporate social responsibility to victims and survivors of Gender Based Violence (GBV) across the country.
‘‘Mwende is one of the many cases of GBV that we have been following to give the victims the support they need to take care of their families,’’she said.
The judge condemned GBV and called for the protection of families to avert similar acts.
‘‘As IWAJ we believe in the sanctity of marriage and the family unit. We champion the fight against GBV,’’added Lady Justice Mutende.
She also appealed for the rehabilitation of Nzomo in prison to enable him take care of his family once he finishes serving his 12 -year- jail term.
‘‘We also believe in protecting the principles of equality in law. We do not discriminate, if Nzomo is rehabilitated he can come back and support his family,’’she added.
She urged Mwende to develop a positive attitude towards life and work hard to support her children.
Senior Resident Magistrate Ms.Kahuya who is also the IWAJ -Vice Treasurer pledged the association’s support to Mwende and her children
‘‘We have come here with a lot of love as women magistrates to support Mwende to help her take care of her children,’’she said.
Chief Magistrate Kibiru reiterated the need for men to protect and provide for their families.
‘‘As male magistrates and husbands we support the fight against GBV and we want the best for Mwende and her children,’’he added.
Mwende who currently works as a support staff at the DWA Sisal plantation in Kibwezi thanked the judges for the donation.
‘‘I wish to express my gratitude to the judges for remembering me,I feel loved and cared for,’’said the 32 year old.
A video clip of Nzomo assaulting his wife on July 30 went viral on social media causing uproar among Kenyans.
Nzomo pleaded guilty to the charges of causing grievous harm to his wife and was sentenced to 12 years in prison by a Makueni court.
By Roselyne Kavoo
