Police in Seme, Kisumu County, are holding a 47-year-old woman accused of fatally setting her 12-year-old son on fire over a domestic dispute involving Ksh.150.
According to authorities, the suspect, identified as Jacinter Akinyi, allegedly doused her son with kerosene and set him ablaze at their home in Nyamgun area. Neighbors rushed to rescue the boy, who suffered severe burns to his upper body, hands, and groin, before he was admitted to Kombewa Sub-County Hospital. He later succumbed to his injuries on Tuesday.
Police who visited the scene recovered a partially burnt shirt believed to have been worn by the child during the incident. Akinyi is currently in custody and is expected to be arraigned in court as investigations continue.
Authorities have condemned the act, urging families to seek non-violent ways of resolving conflicts and reminding the public that child abuse is punishable under Kenyan law.
