Probe after Kibra woman allegedly burned with boiling beans over 'two-term' chants

A family in Kibra’s Gatwikira area is demanding justice after their kin was allegedly attacked over her political stance.

Maureen Matsili, a single mother of four, was allegedly assaulted and burnt on May 18 by a person known to her over her consistent chanting of the “two-term” slogan in the area.

On a day when Kenyan roads fell silent, public service vehicles were grounded and youths engaged police in running battles over rising fuel prices, Kibra Constituency remained largely calm, with most residents staying away from the protests.

But in that calm, Maureen Matsili’s life was shattered after she was allegedly attacked by a person known to her in what she says was a fallout tied to her continued support for the Kenya Kwanza administration.

“Mimi naumia kwa sababu ya two term, niko hapa hospitali kwa sababu ya two term,” she said.

The attacker is alleged to have poured boiling beans on her, leaving her with severe injuries.

"Sasa yule akamwambia watu wamegoma magari, watu wamegoma kwa barabara na wewe unatuletea mambo ya two term. Akaenda kwa kibanda ya mtu akachukua maharagwe moto akamwagilia..." Maureen’s sister Lilian Kakuli said.

The family, which reported the matter at Kibra Police Station, says the suspect, who is well known in the area, is yet to be arrested and is calling for expedited investigations.

"Maureen ameumia kutoka kwa matiti, kitovu, private parts zake na kwa mapaja, alafu daktari anasema hapo kwa kitovu ndio moto iliingia sana..." Lilian added.

"Kama mtu anaweza chomwa hivyo na hana makosa, serikali iangalie vitu kama hizo. Maureen amechomeka vibaya sana. Kusema ukweli kama mimi ndugu yake ni kama hiyo uchungu naskia..." Maureen’s brother Franklin Matsili said.

Maureen’s friend Alice Ayuma added, “Tunaomba serikali iingilie kati hii maneno ikome kabisa kwa sababu ikiendelea hivi hata kuna watu innocent wengi wanaumia na hawafiki huko mbele..."

Patricia Yegon has confirmed that detectives are investigating the case, which was reported by Maureen’s sister, with the victim currently admitted at the Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH).

He says police in Kibra are investigating the case as a suspected hate crime, even as the family calls for the arrest of the suspect.

Detectives are also expected to record statements from several witnesses as part of the ongoing probe.

The incident has raised concerns over a recent wave of politically linked violence cases.

Maureen’s attack came on the same day goons in Githurai 45 torched a vehicle belonging to Priscilla Njiraini after allegedly finding a UDA sachet inside the car.

Just two days earlier, late Gospel artist Rachel Wandeto was attacked by unknown assailants who set her on fire.

She later succumbed to her injuries while undergoing treatment. Initial reports suggested she may have been targeted over a tattoo of President William Ruto on her chest.

Police have since arrested Josiah Njeru in connection with her death as investigations continue into the motive.