How Acid Attack in Nairobi’s Nightlife Claimed the Life of a Teenage Girl

17-year-old Beth Wambui’s life was cruelly cut short after a night of celebration turned into a horrific ordeal.

On the evening of April 7, 2024, Beth misled her mother, claiming she was visiting a friend in the nearby town of Kenol, Murang’a County. However, her true destination was a bar where her peers had gathered to commemorate a colleague’s birthday. The events of that fateful night unfolded as Beth and her friends frequented two establishments, Club Michigan and Club 126, indulging in food and drinks. It was during this “party-after-party” ritual, a common practice among their social circle, that tragedy struck.

At around 10 o’clock, Beth departed Club 126 with companions, riding on motorcycles. While the precise details remain shrouded in mystery, the situation culminated in her abduction, a brutal stabbing, and a devastating acid attack. Passersby discovered Beth’s battered body near the Kabati Police Station shortly before midnight. She was swiftly transported to a public hospital, but due to an ongoing healthcare workers’ strike, she was subsequently transferred to a private medical facility in critical condition. The incident was officially reported at 12:40 AM.

The extent of Beth’s injuries was staggering – severe burns marred her face, chest, abdomen, thighs, and legs, while her right ear and both breasts had been severed. Preliminary investigations determined the corrosive effects of acid as responsible for the burns. Despite undergoing five corrective surgeries, Beth’s valiant fight for survival ended on May 25, 2024, when she ultimately succumbed to her injuries, leaving her devastated parents, Peter Kirii and Esther Njeri, demanding justice. The authorities had initially detained three individuals in connection with the case but later released them under uncertain circumstances, allegedly upon posting a Sh50,000 cash bond, as revealed by Mr Kirii.

Murang’a police commander Mathiu Kainga assures the public that they are actively pursuing multiple leads. He expresses confidence in their ability to unravel the truth behind this heinous crime. Potential motives being explored include the possibility of a sexual assault by someone known to Beth, with the perpetrators plotting the murder to conceal their tracks. Additionally, investigators are examining the possibility of a dispute among Beth’s female friends over a romantic partner, a drug-related malicious attack, or potential retaliation from other families who allegedly accused one of her close relatives of misconduct.

Before her tragic demise, Beth’s medical expenses had reached a staggering Sh2.2 million. However, in a gesture of compassion, President William Ruto generously contributed Sh1.5 million through Murang’a Woman Representative Betty Maina. During Beth’s burial in Karugia village on June 7, 2024, Ms Maina conveyed the Head of State’s condolences to the grieving family. This incident has sparked outrage and calls for swift justice. Ms Maina criticized the police for their failure to apprehend the suspects, informing the President and the Interior Cabinet Secretary of the lack of progress.

Senator Joe Nyutu echoed these concerns, emphasizing that the Murang’a police leadership must understand the community’s expectation of real justice for Beth. As the investigation continues, the two clubs initially ordered to remain closed have reopened, defying the initial directive by the Murang’a South Deputy County Commissioner.