Residents of Mjini, Imenti North Constituency, were left horrified after a violent domestic fight left one woman seriously burned in a shocking attack involving hot coals.
Police and local officials said the incident unfolded after a disagreement between two middle-aged women escalated inside a home. During the altercation, the suspect allegedly grabbed burning charcoal from a jiko and inflicted severe burns on the victim’s private parts.
Confirming the case at Meru Police Station, Area Chief Margret Gakubi said the victim was rushed to hospital for urgent treatment.
“We have an incident where one woman badly burned another on her private parts after a fight broke out between them in their house,” Gakubi said.
The chief noted that gender-based violence remains a serious concern in the area and urged residents to resolve conflicts through lawful means rather than resorting to violence.
“Taking the law into one’s own hands attracts severe legal consequences, including imprisonment, regardless of the circumstances surrounding a disagreement,” she added.
Imenti North Deputy County Commissioner Odilia Ndeti described the attack as both disturbing and unfortunate, expressing concern over the severity of the injuries.
“The injuries are serious, and although she is receiving the necessary treatment, it will take time before she fully recovers,” Ndeti said.
Authorities revealed that the suspect was reportedly under the influence of drugs at the time of the attack, which may have fueled the violent behavior. The woman attempted to flee but was restrained by locals and handed over to police.
Ndeti emphasized the connection between substance abuse and violent crime, highlighting the need to tackle drug use alongside efforts to curb gender-based violence.
“When we fight SGBV, we must also fight drug abuse because these substances often push people to commit very bad acts,” she said.
She called on residents to remain calm during disagreements and to report conflicts early to local authorities, noting that timely intervention can prevent disputes from escalating.
