A Nairobi teacher found himself in trouble after violently attacking his wife and throwing her out of their home for shaving their newborn's hair, an act traditionally reserved for the paternal grandmother in Teso culture.
Habib Salim is accused of assaulting his wife, Zuhura Said, on June 4, 2022, at their residence in Mihang'o, Kayole Sub-County.
The incident occurred around 10 p.m., just after the couple had hosted guests to celebrate the birth of their child. Among those present were Habib's mother, sister, and a neighbour.
Unaware of the deep cultural significance, Zuhura decided to shave her baby's hair, unknowingly violating a Teso tradition that dictates the first haircut must be done by the child's paternal grandmother. This decision did not sit well with her mother-in-law, who had been prepared to perform the ritual.
Once the visitors had left, Habib, enraged by what he saw as a serious breach of tradition, physically attacked his wife. His mother and sister allegedly joined in the assault, punishing Zuhura for what they perceived as a violation of cultural norms.
In a shocking turn, Habib then threw his wife and their newborn out of the house, refusing to let them return. With nowhere to go, the battered mother sought refuge at an Imam's residence, where she stayed with her child.
She later reported the incident to the authorities, leading to Habib's arrest.
Following police investigations, Habib was charged and released on a cash bail of Ksh 10,000 after pleading for leniency, claiming the dispute was a family matter. The case is set for mention on March 18.
