Bashed woman wakes from coma

The severely injured Kenyan woman, found next to the body of her friend in a Christchurch house, has opened her eyes after more than a week in a coma.

Lydiah Munene, 34, emerged from the induced coma in Christchurch Hospital's intensive care unit yesterday, Kenyan community spokesman Mathenge Iratho told The Press.

Even the doctors were excited that she had opened her eyes and moved her feet, Mr Iratho said.

Ms Munene was found in her bed with severe head injuries on Monday night last week. She was lying next to Stephen Mwangi Maina, 39, a Kenyan freezing worker who lived in Ashburton.

More than 100 people attended a funeral Mass for Mr Maina in Ashburton on Saturday. His body is being readied for return to Kenya, hopefully next week.

Ms Munene's estranged husband Samuel Ngumo Njuguna flew to Kenya last week after leaving the couple's two sons with a friend.

Police want to talk to him about the slaying and assault.

- NZPA