Kenya: Pregnant woman sets herself ablaze over husband’s infidelity

A six-month pregnant woman is receiving treatment at Nakuru Level Five Hospital after she set herself ablaze over a love gone sour. Cythia Njoki is said to have poured kerosene on her body after picking a fight with her husband whom she had accused of having an illicit affair. The 27-year-old woman sustained 45 per cent burns on her hands, abdomen, thighs and face.
“My husband is a mechanic and over the weekend, he did not come home, confirming my fears that he was having a good time with his mistress,” she said.
Njoki, who lives in Langa Langa estate, said she was unable to comprehend why her husband was living a promiscuous lifestyle. “I was overwhelmed by anger, went into my bedroom where I set myself ablaze.”
Nursing officer in charge of the ward, Jenipher Mathenge said the patient was received on Sunday night at around 8pm in a critical condition.
"The patient was received in a very critical condition, with her hands, face, abdomen and thighs burnt. Her fingers are also totally burnt," Mathenge said.
She said the Ms Njoki, who is six months pregnant also has breathing problems after she inhaled hot air. They are investigating the status of the unborn baby after they noticed the foetus had irregular heart beat.
"The patient is pregnant and we are conducting further investigations to know the status of the unborn child," she said.
The patient's mother Mary Wangui said she rushed to the hospital immediately after she was informed about the incident but could not communicate with Njoki because she had breathing difficulties. Ms Wangui said prior to the incident, Njoki had shared with her the problems she was going through due to the alleged promiscuity. She asked the husband what happened but he did not give a clear explanation, claiming to have received a phone call from a woman whom Njoki suspected was his lover.
Njoki, who lives in Langa Langa estate, said she was unable to comprehend why her husband was living a promiscuous lifestyle. “I was overwhelmed by anger, went into my bedroom where I set myself ablaze.”