Shock in Embu as 27-Year-Old Mother Dies After Brutal Acid Attack in Kiritiri Dawn Ambush

A 27-year-old woman has died after unknown assailants carried out a brutal acid attack in Kiritiri Town, Embu County, in what residents believe may have been a premeditated assault.

The victim, identified as Jackline Wanjiru, a mother of one, succumbed to severe burn injuries while receiving treatment at Embu Level Five Hospital after the early morning attack on Friday.

According to reports, Wanjiru was heading to the miraa market at around 5:30 a.m. when she hired a boda boda rider, John Juma, to ferry her to the market.

Witnesses said the two were suddenly intercepted by another motorbike carrying two masked men who splashed a highly corrosive liquid, suspected to be acid, on both victims before fleeing the scene.

Residents said the attackers acted without confrontation, sparking fears that the incident was planned and targeted.

Eyewitness Emmah Wawira described the horrific scene after residents rushed to the area following distress screams.

“I found Jackie almost naked as her clothes had been burnt by the acid as well as her body from the neck all the way down to the feet,” she said.

Good Samaritans helped rush the victims to hospital, with the boda boda rider managing to ride himself to medical care despite burns on his head and hands.

Wanjiru was later referred to Embu Level Five Hospital due to the severity of her injuries but died while undergoing treatment.

Her rider is currently receiving treatment and is reported to be in stable condition.

Police have launched investigations into the attack as residents call for swift action and justice, describing the incident as shocking and inhumane.