Residents of Bosiango village in Nyamira South Sub County have been left in shock after a middle-aged woman reportedly doused her 12-year-old stepdaughter’s hands in paraffin and burnt them over claims of stealing fifty shillings.
According to Alice Boyani, a neighbour to the woman, the accused has been allegedly mistreating the child for the last few months, following the death of her biological mother one year ago.
“We had the child's loud screams and her cry was not normal. We rushed to their house and found the minor in pain and when we asked her what had happened, she explained to us how her stepmother had burnt her,” said Boyani.
The standard five pupil at Bosiango Primary School was taken by her neighbours to the Bosiango Sub County Hospital where she is currently receiving treatment.
Confirming the incident, area assistant Chief Yuvinaris Omburo said the matter has already been reported to the police, adding that investigations have already kicked off.
“We are saddened by the child's ordeal and so far the woman identified as Christine Mochumbe is at large and we call upon locals to help us as well as the police to trace her so that she can face the law,” said Omburo.