Police in Embu county, are holding a middle aged woman on suspicion of setting her love rival on fire.
The suspect accused the victim of having an affair with her husband, a businessman, in Mutuobare market, Mbeere South.
The suspect is said to have visited the house of the victim, Ms Hellen Mwingi Kariuki on Monday night. She broke a window, doused the room with an inflammable liquid and set it on fire.
During the incident, Ms Kariuki sustained serious burns and is fighting for her life at Kenyatta National Hospital. She was rescued by members of public after staggering out of the house in flames and collapsed outside.
Mbeere South police boss Ahmed Mohammed said police have arrested the suspect. He added that evidence indicates that she had bad blood with the victim.
“She (the victim) had a romantic relationship with the suspect’s husband. We have arrested her (the suspect) to assist with investigations,” he said.
Kiambere MCA Lenny Mwaniki said the victim was first rushed to Embu Children’s Hospital, Tenri before being transferred to Karira Mission hospital in the neighbouring Kirinyaga county.
Her condition deteriorated and medics refered her to Kenyatta National Hospital.
“The arsonist had doused a rag and several papers with an inflammable substance. The substance also appears to have been poured on the ground, and since she (victim) slept on the floor, it was soaked in the mattresses,” said Mr Mwaniki.
