This archive report was first published on 4 October 2019.
On October 5, 2019, Lucy Nyira, a 25-year-old woman, succumbed to her injuries after being doused with petrol and set ablaze by her husband, Bernard Kariha, in Nakuru.
The incident occurred three years into their marriage, with Kariha, 24, allegedly attacking Nyira when he accused her of coming home late.
Nyira had been admitted to the Rift Valley Provincial General Hospital on Saturday night, where she underwent treatment for severe burns to her torso, arms, neck, thighs, and face.
According to Nurse Jenipher Mathege, Nyira passed away at around 5:30 am, just before she was scheduled for surgery.
Before her death, Nyira told The Standard that her husband was upset after she arrived late from a journey in Nairobi, where she had gone to purchase second-hand clothes for reselling.
"Traffic and diversions on the Nairobi-Nakuru highway caused the delay. I explained that to my husband but he did not believe me. He expected me to have taken two hours," Nyira said.
Nakuru Police boss Stephen Matu confirmed that investigations are ongoing, with Kariha set to be arraigned in court and charged with murder.
