For three weeks, Mvone Okwaro had been working as a housemaid for a couple in Nairobi after travelling from Kakamega in search of work. She never imagined the job would expose her to a night she would struggle to forget.
In August 2025, Mvone says she found herself trapped inside the couple's house as an argument between the husband and wife turned deadly. According to her account, the husband attacked his wife during the fight, and she collapsed. He then warned Mvone against speaking out or seeking help.
Terrified for her own life, Mvone stayed silent while the couple's child slept nearby. She says the man continued attacking his wife over the course of the night, and at one point ordered Mvone to bring him a knife, which she did, fearing refusal could make her a target too.
Throughout the ordeal, Mvone says she could only watch, believing any attempt to intervene could cost her life. Afterward, the man cleaned the weapon, had her return it, and began cleaning the house.
The ordeal did not end there. Mvone says that around 3am, the man turned his attention to her and sexually assaulted her, in the same room where his wife's body lay. He then left the house, locking her inside. She remained silent until around 5am, when she managed to alert a neighbour. Police arrived around 6am to collect evidence and take statements.
The man reportedly went to his wife's sister's home before leaving with a bag. Mvone says that during the woman's burial, some women were allegedly sent by the husband to lure her away, which she took as a sign she could be in danger too.
The suspect was eventually arrested and is currently out on bail as the case continues in court.
A year later, Mvone is rebuilding her life. She is currently staying at a safe house supported by Usikinywe, an organisation that helps survivors of gender-based violence. Her story reflects both the trauma many survivors carry and the importance of safe spaces and support systems for those rebuilding their lives after violence.
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