A Nairobi woman, Catherine Wanjiru, is facing assault charges for allegedly burning her neighbor, Sherry Nyanchomba, with boiling cooking oil over a hair-related dispute.
The incident occurred on January 16 at their residence in Dandora.
According to reports, the confrontation arose when Wanjiru accused Nyanchomba of copying her hairstyle.
Nyanchomba, returning home around midnight, was met by Wanjiru at the gate, who reportedly launched into the accusation.
The situation escalated further when Wanjiru allegedly stormed to a nearby fish vendor, grabbed a fryer spoon, and scooped hot oil, which she then proceeded to throw on Nyanchomba’s face.
A physical altercation ensued, during which Wanjiru is accused of dislocating Nyanchomba’s jaw.
Neighbors intervened and separated the two, with Nyanchomba being rushed to a nearby clinic for treatment.
She was later referred to Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital in Embakasi, where she received further medical attention before reporting the incident to the police.
Following investigations, Wanjiru was summoned and arrested.
She appeared before Senior Principal Magistrate Justus Kituku of the Makadara Law Courts, denying the charges against her. Wanjiru was released on a bond of Sh50,000 or an alternative cash bail of Sh20,000.
The case is scheduled for a mention on March 6th, with the hearing set to begin on May 30th, 2024.
