Makueni: 29-year-old woman sets herself on fire after domestic dispute
A 29-year-old woman set herself on fire on Thursday, August 28, 2025, in the morning in Emali, Makueni County, in an attempt to take her own life after a domestic disagreement with her husband.
According to Nzaui Sub-County Police Commander Agnes Kunga, she received a report early in the morning informing her of a woman who had set herself ablaze in Emali town.
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After receiving the report, PC Kunga, together with her officers, proceeded to the crime scene and confirmed that the woman had indeed set herself on fire.
Speaking to journalists, Kunga revealed that she had established the incident was triggered after a one-month separation from her husband.
“Today at around 8:45 am, we received a report that a woman, aged 29, had set herself on fire. We visited the scene and found that this lady had parted ways with her husband about a month ago,” PC Kunga stated.
According to PC Kunga, the woman had been staying in Nairobi with her husband before the disagreement, after which she decided to move to Emali town, where she has been staying with her relatives.
Furthermore, she revealed that after recording the statement, the woman was rushed to the nearest hospital, where she is currently receiving treatment.
“She was taken to the hospital, and upon arrival, doctors said she had sustained burns covering 70% of her body,” PC Kunga said.
Notably, the police commander mentioned that, based on information from reliable sources, her family has disclosed that the woman is believed to be suffering from depression.
The police boss also expressed concern over the increasing number of suicide cases within Makueni County, urging the county leadership to act swiftly to address the situation.
“It is quite worrying because there are many cases of suicide within Makueni County, and most of the victims are men. I urge the county government to establish counselling centres in each sub-county so that those in need can seek help,” PC Kunga said.
She also urged people to speak out when facing uncertainties or challenges instead of resorting to suicide, which she emphasised is not a solution.
Kelvin Mutunga, a medical officer at Best Care, where the woman is receiving treatment in Emali, confirmed that she is currently in stable condition, and they are planning to refer her to Kenyatta National Hospital for further treatment.
