Man sets ex-wife on fire for declining reconciliation attempt

A 32-year-old woman is currently fighting for her life at the Embu Level Five Hospital after her estranged husband set her ablaze in Nembure Village, Embu County.

According to Embu North OCPD James Karisa, the man identified as Ibrahim Murithii had separated from his wife and was trying to seek reconciliation but he set her blaze after she declined his advances.

Karisa said 35-year-old Murithii visited the victim at her house where she lived with her daughter and sought audience with her in an effort to reconcile with her.

Murithii is said to have tried to persuade the woman to go back to their matrimonial home but the she declined, an issue that reportedly angered him.

The police boss added that the man tricked the woman into leaving the house to have a private talk outside but as soon as the woman stepped out, he is said to have grabbed her, wrestled her to the ground before dousing her with petrol that he had carried in a jerry can and set her ablaze.

Neighbours who heard the commotion and wailing came to her rescue and rushed her to the hospital where she is getting treatment.

The police boss now says that the man was arrested and is currently being held at Manyatta Police Station awaiting arraignment in court.