Hussein Khalid Condemns Murders of Two Women and MTRH Medical Negligence in Uasin Gishu
“It is devastating to witness this spike in gender-based violence in Uasin Gishu County, especially considering it is the President’s home county. If women cannot feel safe here, where in the country can they feel secure?” Khalid questioned
Hussein Khalid of Vocal Africa addresses the media at Moi Teaching and Referral Farewell Home, calling for justice for femicide victims Jane Agunda and Rose. 'These tragedies reflect systemic failures. We demand accountability from authorities and an end to violence against women,' he declares passionately.
Hussein Khalid, a prominent human rights defender and leader of Vocal Africa, has announced plans to pursue legal proceedings against the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) following allegations of negligence that contributed to the tragic death of Jane Agunda, a victim of femicide. Agunda, whose untimely death occurred on December 2nd, had been brutally attacked in her home by unknown assailants on the night of December 1 before succumbing to her injuries.
Speaking at the hospital’s farewell home, Khalid expressed profound frustration at the events leading to Agunda’s death. He alleged that the hospital failed in its duty of care by discharging her despite being in critical condition. According to Khalid, Agunda had been brought to MTRH for emergency treatment after suffering severe trauma but was left untreated in the corridors of the facility, where she ultimately passed away.
Jane Agunda, a mother of three, faced a horrifying ordeal when attackers reportedly broke into her residence on the night of December 1. She was subjected to physical and sexual violence before being severely injured with a blunt object, leading to her fatal injuries. Khalid expressed anger not only at the hospital’s handling of the case but also at local authorities in Turbo Sub-County. The activist criticized law enforcement for failing to act on previous reports from Agunda, who had sought police protection after receiving threats to her life.
“The loss of Jane is heartbreaking and infuriating,” Khalid said. “Her death could have been prevented if both the hospital and the police had acted responsibly. We are demanding justice for her and calling for accountability for the failures that led to this tragedy.”
Arthur Lisimba, Jane Agunda’s brother, has been vocal in demanding justice for his sister. He condemned both the medical personnel at MTRH and local law enforcement for failing to protect her and provide adequate care after the attack.
“My sister could have been saved,” Lisimba lamented. “The doctors at MTRH did not provide the emergency medical care she desperately needed. She was left unattended in the hospital corridors, bleeding to death. According to the postmortem report, her death was entirely preventable had she received proper treatment.”
Lisimber also criticized the inaction of the Turbo Sub-County police, pointing out that his sister had previously reported threats to her life but received no protection. “Jane lived in fear because of the threats she faced. She sought help, but the police failed her. Her death is not just a result of the brutal attack but also systemic negligence by those tasked with protecting her,” he said. Lisimba vowed to support Vocal Africa in seeking legal redress and reforms.
Khalid also highlighted the brutal killing of another woman, Rose, within the same area, Tairi Mbili, just a day after Jane Agunda’s tragic death. In Rose’s case, she too was attacked and killed in a similarly violent manner, adding to growing concerns about rising femicide cases in the region.
“It is devastating to witness this spike in gender-based violence in Uasin Gishu County, especially considering it is the President’s home county. If women cannot feel safe here, where in the country can they feel secure?” Khalid questioned. He called on national authorities to urgently address the systemic issues fueling violence against women, including improving protection mechanisms and ensuring thorough investigations of such cases.
The Eldoret Sex Workers Alliance (ESWA), a local advocacy group, has also condemned the recent surge in violence against women, particularly those in vulnerable professions. According to the organization, several women in the area have been targeted and killed, yet their cases remain unresolved. ESWA leaders have criticized law enforcement for failing to provide justice for these victims and have demanded urgent intervention.
Although police have launched investigations into the murders of Jane Agunda and Rose, no arrests have been made. Family members and community leaders have expressed frustration over what they see as slow and ineffective efforts by authorities. The perpetrators of Jane’s murder allegedly stole her mobile phone, which remained active for two days following her death.
Friends and family of the victim have urged the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to use the phone’s signal to trace the attackers and expedite their inquiries. “We pleaded with the police to track her phone and apprehend those responsible for this heinous crime. We even assisted in identifying critical evidence at the scene, such as discarded materials that could aid the investigation, but the response has been lethargic,” said a family friend.
Arthur Lisimba further emphasized the lack of urgency in police efforts. “The negligence by law enforcement is appalling. Jane’s killers are still free, and the system that should have protected her continues to fail us. We demand accountability and justice,” he added.
There are growing calls for a comprehensive review of the police force in Turbo Sub-County, with many accusing officers of neglecting their duties. Khalid echoed these sentiments, stating, “The police in this region have failed to act on threats, failed to protect Jane Agunda, and now they are failing to bring her killers to justice. This is unacceptable.”
The rising cases of femicide in Uasin Gishu County have sparked outrage among activists and residents alike. Khalid, of the Vocal Africa and other civil society groups, has vowed to continue advocating for the rights and safety of women in the region. “These killings are not isolated incidents; they are part of a larger pattern of gender-based violence that must be addressed immediately,” he said.
The community is demanding swift and decisive action, both to deliver justice for the victims and to implement measures to prevent further violence. “We need to overhaul these broken systems—healthcare, law enforcement, and justice—because they are failing our women,” Khalid concluded.
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