A man in Garissa is currently nursing serious injuries after he set himself on fire following misguided advice from a nurse friend.
According to a statement by the National Police Service (NPS), the man identified as Mohamed Haret, doused himself in methylated spirit before setting himself ablaze on advice given by the nurse friend stationed at Mukono hospital in Garissa.
In the bizarre incident that occurred on Friday, May 27, 2022, Mr Mohamed who is a resident of Kora Kora area of Iftin is said to have escorted a patient to the said hospital.
Upon his arrival at the hospital, he innocently consulted the medic if the methylated spirit he saw at the desk could cause burns.
Nurse advises Mohamud
In his response to the question posed, the medic joked that he (Mohamed) douses himself with the liquid and strike a matchstick.
“In jest, the nurse misadvised his friend to douse himself with the liquid and strike a matchstick. This, he suggested, would answer his friend’s question perfectly,
“Mohamed, trusting the nurse, followed the advice by applying the tingling liquid on his skin,” NPS stated.
Following the ‘advice’ Mohamed lit himself up sustaining serious burns on his chest, face, and arms.
“The inquisitive-hospital-guest-turned-patient sustained serious burns on the chest, face and arms and was transferred to Ghal Private Hospital for further treatment from Mukono Hospital where he had initially been,” NPS added.
The police service warned members of the public against misguiding others into self harm reiterating that such offences are punishable by law.
“Causing others to inflict harm and injuries to themselves is a criminal offence. So serious is the offence of aiding, such that in case an act inflicts grievous harm,the consequence can be grave and may even lead to life imprisonment,
“Reckless acts can equally earn someone a prison term. We urge the public to desist from dangerous acts that may inflict harm to themselves, and those around them.” NPS said.
