Murang’a: The family of a woman from Murang’a, who tragically succumbed to severe burns inflicted in a domestic violence incident, is urgently appealing to well-wishers for assistance in laying her to rest with dignity. Grace Wanja, a 47-year-old resident of Mung’etho village in Maragua, was set on fire by her boyfriend on January 8, after being doused with a flammable substance suspected to be petrol.
According to Kenya News Agency, Wanja suffered burns covering 65 percent of her body and was initially treated at Murang’a County Referral Hospital before being transferred to Kenyatta National Hospital. Despite the medical interventions, she passed away on January 15. The family is now struggling to cover the accrued hospital bill and to organize a proper burial.
Isaack Mwangi, the family spokesperson, expressed the dire financial situation they are facing. “The family of Wanja is needy; the children she has left behind need help burying their mother,” Mwangi stated. He revealed that the hospital bill totaled Sh 140,000, of which only Sh 35,000 has been covered by the Social Health Authority.
Mwangi also highlighted the uncertainty surrounding the future of Wanja’s four children, who are now without a home, as they were living with a well-wisher. He reiterated the family’s call for justice, urging the police to apprehend the suspect, Irungu Muturi, who remains at large.
Agnes Wangari, one of Wanja’s children, echoed the plea for public support, emphasizing their lack of a burial site due to a pending court case over the land. She also urged law enforcement to act swiftly in arresting the suspect and bringing him to justice.