A tragic incident occurred in Kiambu when an employer allegedly broke a nanny’s spinal cord during an altercation on Monday November 18, 2024.
According to the 22-year-old House helper’s account Shanny Nana Otieno who scampered for her safety after an attempted murder by her employer who threatened to end her life with a knife, forcing the victim to jump from the 4th floor of Kiambu’s 4-storey-building-Jumuiya Heights apartment.
Atieno, lying helplessly in a hospital bed, is recuperating from serious injuries at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) with multiple sustained injuries including Spinal Cord damage, a broken leg, several body fractures among other serious injuries.
“Tangu nianze kufanya Kazi kwake, amekuwa akinihangaisha. Amejaribu kuniuuwa mara kadhaa. Aliniambia anaweza niua.” Loosely translated as “Since I started Working at their house, she has been mistreating me all along. She has attempted to kill me on several occasions. She told me she can kill me.” Said Atieno.
With less than 2-months in the hands of the rogue employer, Atieno narrates that the employer has on several occasions maimed serious violence on her: Offenses punishable before the court of law including stabbing her into the scalp and then rushing her to a nearby hospital to be secretly treated.
This event highlights critical issues surrounding workplace safety and accountability for employers in Kenya.
The incident unfolded after an argument between the nanny and her employer escalated into violence. Witnesses reported hearing screams coming from the house as neighbors rushed to help the injured woman. She was quickly taken to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment.Medical staff confirmed that the nanny suffered severe injuries including damage to her spinal cord.
Her condition remains critical as doctors work tirelessly to provide necessary care and support during her recovery.This incident has sparked outrage among community members and human rights advocates alike. Many are calling for stricter regulations to protect domestic workers across Kenya.
“This kind of violence is unacceptable,” said Jane Mwangi a representative from the Domestic Workers Union.Domestic workers often face exploitation and abuse without adequate legal protections in place.
Advocacy groups are urging the government to implement reforms that ensure workplace safety and hold employers accountable for their actions.“This tragic event is not an isolated case,” Mwangi added emphatically. “We need urgent reforms to protect vulnerable workers.” The union is demanding better working conditions and legal safeguards for domestic employees throughout the country.
As investigations into this incident continue community leaders are rallying together to support the victim and raise awareness about domestic worker rights. They emphasize that all workers deserve safe environments free from violence and intimidation.The government has been urged to take immediate action following this incident.
Advocates argue that stronger laws are needed to deter abuse and protect those who work in domestic settings.In response to this incident several organizations have called for public awareness campaigns aimed at educating both employers and employees about workplace rights and responsibilities. They stress that everyone deserves dignity and respect at work.
The attack on the nanny in Kiambu underscores critical issues surrounding workplace safety for domestic workers in Kenya. As calls for justice grow louder there is hope that this tragedy will lead to meaningful changes in policies protecting vulnerable individuals within society.
