Catherine Wanjiru, a resident of Dandora, Nairobi, is facing charges of causing grievous harm after allegedly scalding her neighbor, Sherry Nyanchomba, with boiling cooking oil and dislocating her jaw. The incident, which unfolded on January 16, has prompted legal action against Wanjiru under section 234 of the Penal Code.
According to reports, the altercation occurred as Nyanchomba returned home around midnight. Wanjiru, her neighbor, allegedly accused her of copying her hairstyle, claiming that Nyanchomba had dyed her hair in a manner similar to Wanjiru’s.
In a sudden escalation, Wanjiru reportedly seized a fryer spoon from a nearby fish vendor’s stand, filled it with boiling oil, and poured it onto Nyanchomba’s face. The dispute intensified into a physical confrontation, during which Wanjiru allegedly grabbed Nyanchomba’s jaw, causing a dislocation of her teeth.
The altercation was only brought to an end when neighbors intervened, rescuing Nyanchomba from further harm. She was promptly taken to a nearby clinic for initial treatment before being referred to Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital in Embakasi.
Following medical attention, Nyanchomba reported the incident to the police, leading to the summoning and subsequent arrest of Catherine Wanjiru. The suspect denied the charges when brought before Senior Principal Magistrate Justus Kituku at the Makadara Law Courts.
Wanjiru has been released on a bond of Sh50,000, with an alternative cash bail of Sh20,000. The case is scheduled for mention on March 6, with the hearing set to commence on May 30, 2024. As legal proceedings unfold, the incident sheds light on the severity of disputes escalating to physical harm within residential communities.
