Woman Dies After Acid Attack by Assailants on Bodaboda as Details of Her Final Moments Emerge

A 27-year-old woman dies after injuries sustained in a suspected acid attack carried out by unknown assailants on May 16, 2026, in Kiritiri in Mbeere South Constituency.

The victim, Jackline Wanjiru, was reportedly on her way to Kiritiri Market to carry out her daily business when she was attacked while riding on a boda boda.

According to accounts from witnesses and the boda boda rider, John Juma, Wanjiru had left her home at about 5:30 a.m when the incident occurred.

Juma said another motorcycle approached from behind shortly after they began the journey.

He noted that the motorbike initially appeared to be overtaking normally before it slowed down alongside them.

It was at this point, Juma said, that one of the assailants allegedly splashed a corrosive substance believed to be acid onto Wanjiru and also some onto him.

“The acid splashed on her and also landed on my back. We immediately lost control and fell into a ditch,” Juma said, adding that both of them sustained burns.

He further recounted that Wanjiru screamed for help as her clothes were burned by the chemical, while he also suffered injuries and managed to remove part of his clothing in distress.

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Residents On The Scene

Residents who heard the commotion rushed to the scene and found the two victims in severe pain before assisting them to a nearby health facility.

They were later referred to Embu Level Five Hospital due to the seriousness of their injuries.

Despite medical intervention, Wanjiru died due to extensive burns affecting her face, chest and lower body while undergoing treatment.

Juma survived the attack and is receiving further treatment while in stable condition.

Investigations Ongoing

Police say the attackers were masked and hooded, making immediate identification difficult.

Police have therefore launched an investigation to establish the motive behind the attack and find those involved.

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The incident has sparked outrage in the area, with family members describing the attack as cruel and demanding justice for the deceased.

“We want justice for our daughter; whoever did this must be arrested and punished,” one of the family members said at the hospital.

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