A chapati vendor allegedly poured boiling water on an 11-year-old class seven girl in Athiru Rujine village in Igembe central sub-county, Meru County for unintentionally knocking down an iron sheet.
A picture of the child’s burn wounds went viral.
According to an eyewitness, the victim sustained third-degree burns.
“The abhorrent incident occurred when the victim’s mother sent her to Susan and Kirimi to purchase chapati. When she arrived, she unintentionally knocked down the iron sheet that was acting as a wall. Susan was well-known for holding a grudge against the child, and she poured hot water on her face. The victim sustained third-degree burns,” an eyewitness said.
She called for the arrest and prosecution of the suspect.
“She bribed the authorities because she is said to be financially stable, and no action has been taken against her so far. She has destroyed the child’s life, and we are demanding justice,” an eyewitness said.
The victim’s grandmother claims that the mother is a widow with other children who rely on her.
“We decided not to take the law into our own hands, but the authorities have let us down. No attempts have been made to apprehend her,” She said.
An eyewitness wondered what prompted the suspect to commit such a heinous act on a helpless child. She claimed that members of the community intended to torch her home.
“It is the government’s responsibility to protect children. The woman was wrong to pour hot water on an innocent child. Her future has been ruined because she would have become a President in the future. I implore the government to intervene and ensure justice for the child,” an eyewitness said.
She said these cruel and barbaric acts against children will only stop when communities stand up and ensure that those committing crimes against children are prosecuted and jailed.
