A 27-year-old woman lost her life following severe burn wounds after unidentified individuals threw corrosive acid on her in Kiritiri Town, Embu County.
The victim was named as Jackline Wanjiru, a mother of one child, who was reportedly en route to the miraa market at approximately 5:30 am on Friday morning when the attack took place.
Initial information suggested that the assailants also targeted the boda boda operator the victim had engaged during the early morning incident, which residents believe was planned and targeted in nature.
According to eyewitness accounts, Wanjiru had hired a boda boda driver named John Juma to transport her to the market before being suddenly stopped by another motorcycle carrying two masked and hooded attackers.
The perpetrators reportedly threw a substance believed to be acid at both victims without any exchange of words before escaping into the darkness.
Community members responding to loud cries discovered the victims lying on the ground in agony with extensive burn injuries.
“I found Jackie barely clothed, as her garments had been destroyed by the acid along with her body from the neck down to her feet,” stated witness Emmah Wawira.
She explained that with assistance from other compassionate individuals, they arranged transportation and transported Wanjiru to a local medical facility for emergency care, while Juma made his way to hospital despite suffering burns on the back of his head and hands.
Due to the critical nature of her condition, Wanjiru was later transferred to Embu Level Five Hospital for advanced medical care. Unfortunately, she passed away from her burn injuries during treatment.
Her boda boda driver is currently under medical care and is said to be in stable condition.
Juma, while speaking from the hospital, stated that he could not recognize the attackers due to poor lighting and their disguises.
The vicious assault has traumatized residents, with relatives and acquaintances pressing for immediate investigations and the apprehension of those responsible for what they termed a cruel and barbaric act.
Law enforcement authorities have initiated inquiries into the incident as detectives work to determine the reason for the attack and identify the perpetrators.