Court frees Kayole man who threatened to kill wife after she requests forgiveness

A man who threatened to kill his wife for allegedly planning to leave their matrimonial home amid unresolved domestic disputes has been pardoned by a court under Section 204 of the Criminal Procedure Code. 

Victor Okoth Ondiek was released after his wife, Pauline Atieno appeared before the court and requested forgiveness, stating that she needed him at home. 

The incident occurred on May 28, 2026, at the Assistant Chief’s office in Kayole South Sub-Location, Kayole Sub-County, Nairobi County. Without lawful justification, Ondiek allegedly threatened to kill his wife, telling her “Nikiwai kupata na mwanamme mwingine, ujue nitakuua” (If I ever find you with another man, know that I will kill you).

This followed her indication that she intended to move out of their home due to his persistent violence. 

According to the wife, Ondiek had subjected her to prolonged mistreatment, which she could no longer tolerate. When he learned of her plans to leave with their children, he barred them from attending school that day.

Later that afternoon, upon returning from the fish market, Atieno was informed by her eldest son that their father had contacted their grandparents, stating he would send the children to the rural home because their mother wanted to leave him. 

The situation escalated into a heated disagreement, prompting Atieno to report the matter at the local chief’s office. Ondiek was summoned but refused to be addressed by the Assistant Chief, insisting he would only speak to the senior chief. Unfortunately, he repeatedly issued death threats. 

The matter was subsequently referred to the police, who cautioned him against violence. Undeterred, Ondiek continued to issue death threats, vowing to kill his wife if she moved out to live with another man. He was arrested and charged. 

When the case was presented before Makadara Chief Magistrate Kennedy Bidali, Atieno who appeared shaken and withdrawn, pleaded with the court to forgive her husband, stating she no longer wished to proceed with the case. 

Bidali notes that the matter was sexual and gender based violence. He granted the application under Section 204 of the Criminal Procedure Code but issued a stern warning to Ondiek.
“You have been forgiven today,” the magistrate said, “but if you commit another offence, you will not be pardoned again. You will face the consequences.” 

The accused was subsequently released.