When Self-Defense Leads to Injustice; the Tale of a GBV Survivor

When 32-year-old LK walked out of Lang’ata Women’s Prison, clutching her four-month-old baby girl, tears of relief streamed down her face. The journey leading to this moment was harrowing, a stark reflection of the challenges domestic violence survivors often face in their pursuit of justice.

Earlier this year, LK, a mother of four and expecting her fifth child, found herself at the center of a tragic incident that overturned her life.

A heated argument erupted with her intoxicated husband at their informal settlement home in Tassia, Embakasi, escalating into a confrontation that tragically ended in his death.

In her recounting, LK described how while pregnant, her husband attacked her with a knife, kicking her in the belly and striking her head. In an act of self-defense, she wrested the knife from him and stabbed his thigh.

They both received medical attention, upon which LK returned home and the husband moved in with his brother. Afew days later, she was picked by the husband’s relative and taken to an empty room where his lifeless body laid.

Despite the context of her actions, LK was arrested and charged with murder.

Unable to raise the Ksh 20,000 cash bail, LK was detained at Lang’ata Women’s Prison, where her ordeal deepened.

While imprisoned, she gave birth to her daughter under challenging conditions and faced the agony of her newborn falling ill twice. The emotional and physical toll was immense, yet LK clung to hope for the day she could reunite with her children.

“I’m so happy and thankful to God that I am out of prison. May the person who facilitated my release be blessed beyond measure,” she said tearfully, her voice filled with relief and gratitude when she walked out of the gates of prison.

Justice Nest intervened in LK’s case, securing a court release order on November 27th 2024. The following day, LK walked free, finally reuniting with her family.

Her sister, IM, expressed profound joy at the release, explaining how LK’s freedom lifts a significant burden from her shoulders.

As a small-scale green grocer in Dandora, IM had been struggling to support LK’s children and juggling that with visiting her in prison, all while earning a meagre income.

For LK, the experience has been life-altering. She now dreams of building a legitimate green-grocer business to provide for her children.

Justice Nest’s social workers are currently helping her find sustainable means to achieve this goal.

LK’s case is far from isolated. Across Kenya, mothers are detained for poverty-related offenses, often stemming from circumstances beyond their control. These detentions rip families apart, leaving children vulnerable and perpetuating cycles of poverty and despair.

Justice Nest’s mission is to disrupt this cycle by advocating for systemic reforms and providing holistic support for affected families.

At Justice Nest, we believe justice is more than punishment—it’s about hope, restoration, and second chances.