A 20-year-old Ugandan domestic worker is finally on the path to justice after surviving a harrowing rape ordeal allegedly committed by her employer’s brother in Ngong Town, Kajiado County.

The incident has ignited outrage, with fresh questions raised about delayed salaries, abuse of domestic workers and appalling treatment in public health institutions meant to serve survivors of gender-based violence.

The victim, whose identity has not been revealed for safety purposes, had been working at a house in Ngong before she was allegedly raped by the brother of her employer—who then attempted to silence her with KSh700. She refused the bribe.

The events that unfold are narrated by journalist Purity Museu Nzuki…

The shocking sequence of events unfolded on Sunday, April 27 evening when Museu, who was hosting the victim’s sister as a nanny, was moved by their family’s financial struggles. She offered to help the younger sister by finding her safer employment. But before the nanny could make the call, her sister phoned in, crying and broken.

“My boss’s brother has raped me,” she cried over the phone.

According to Museu, her nanny started screaming and told her what had happened. Acting swiftly, they called the employer—who also works at Trinity Health Centre in Ngong, just five minutes from her residence.

“We put the call on loudspeaker. The employer shockingly denied the possibility, claiming her brother couldn’t have done such a thing.”

Sensing a cover-up, Museu took the initiative to personally contact the employer with a stern warning: either pay the girl her delayed salary and release her immediately, or face police intervention. The employer is said to have handed over KSh5,000—money she had been withholding for days—and let the girl go.

Not wanting the victim to be alone, they arranged a meeting point at Rubis Ngong station where the station manager kindly offered temporary safety. Later that night, the group—consisting of Museu, her husband, their baby and the two sisters (both nannies)—rushed to Ngong Police Station, where an officer, only identified as Sharon, took up the case. They then proceeded to Nairobi Women’s Hospital where an examination confirmed the presence of semen in the victim’s genitals.

“She was in pain. She was given emergency medication for STIs, HIV, pregnancy prevention and a painkiller,” the rescuer said.

But the ordeal was far from over.

The next morning, they were directed to a local hospital to fill out P3 forms. Despite arriving at 9:30 am, they were kept waiting for hours. When the gender violence doctor finally called back, she was allegedly dismissive and hostile.

“She shouted at the girl and said she doesn’t even look like someone who was raped,” Museu said.

After escalating the matter to the hospital’s management, Museu says another doctor finally agreed to assist. Whistleblowers inside the facility alleged that the dismissive doctor was known for extorting bribes from vulnerable patients.

“She tells victims she can’t attend to them unless they pay her at least KSh1,000,” said a hospital worker.

Arrest of suspect

Determined not to let the matter be swept under the rug, Museu vowed to report the incident to the Ministry of Health. After submitting the required forms, the victim wrote her statement at the police station.

Later that day, officer Sharon summoned the employer to the station and, using strategic deception, claimed no semen had been found in the victim. The ruse worked—the accused person showed up at the station and was immediately arrested.

“He lived in the same compound as the employer—his sister—and they shared the gate. The very house meant to offer employment and safety became a trap,” Museu remarked.

On Tuesday, April 29 morning, police revisited the crime scene with the victim. The accused rapist’s family was present, but officers remained firm.

The story has sparked anger online and is fueling calls for better protections for domestic workers, especially migrant women, and for reforms in how healthcare professionals handle survivors of gender-based violence.

Justice might be a dream come true

This is an ongoing case, and the survivor, now safe, is receiving support from those who stood by her when systems tried to fail her.

“If we hadn’t acted quickly, she might have been silenced. But now, there’s hope for justice,” said Museu who helped rescue her.

The Law Society of Kenya President has reached out, offering to help the victim with the case.

The accused person is expected to take plea today (April 30, 2025) at Ngong Law courts.