A Bomet police officer is recovering from serious burns after his partner allegedly poured hot water on him, an incident that has cast a harsh spotlight on the often-unseen crisis of domestic violence against men. The attack, which occurred on October 16, 2025, in their Sotik town residence, was the culmination of what the officer, Hillary Kipkoech Chepkwony, described as years of silent abuse.

This case is more than a domestic dispute; it has become a touchstone for a difficult, often taboo, subject in Kenya. By choosing to speak publicly, Chepkwony has defied the stigma that forces many male victims into silence, fearing disbelief and ridicule. His story, documented under police Occurrence Book number 29/16/2025, details being scalded first in the bathroom and again as he dressed for work.

A Stigma of Silence

The reluctance of men to report abuse is a significant barrier to justice and support. Many fear they won't be taken seriously by authorities or society at large. This cultural expectation for men to be stoic providers can trap them in cycles of violence. Bomet Governor Hillary Barchok noted the significance of the officer's openness, stating it should be an "eye-opener for those suffering in silence."

The problem is not isolated. National data reveals a startling reality for Kenyan men:

• The 2022 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS) found that 36% of men have experienced some form of intimate partner violence (economic, psychological, physical, or sexual).
• Psychological and emotional violence was the most common form, affecting a quarter of all men surveyed.
• Studies suggest that factors like alcohol abuse and men's inability to fulfill traditional gender roles can sometimes correlate with increased victimization.

Calls for Equal Protection

Following the incident, Chepkwony was treated at Kaplong Mission Hospital and has since become an advocate, urging other men in similar situations to seek professional help. His case has galvanized local leaders and activists, who argue that the rising number of male victims in the South Rift region demands urgent attention. "Cases of men subjected to domestic violence are on the rise, and we must confront this monster before more lives are lost," one official warned.

While the investigation into Chepkwony's scalding continues, his decision to speak out has already had a profound impact. It challenges society to acknowledge that vulnerability is not gendered and that the systems designed to protect citizens from violence must serve everyone, regardless of sex. The path forward, as Chepkwony himself has championed, is for more men to break their silence and for society to be ready to listen.