Student on the dock over acid attack on ex-girlfriend

A 24-year-old man has been charged in Eldoret for allegedly pouring acid on his former girlfriend, leaving her with serious injuries.

Tonny Kimwetich Kangor is accused of committing the offence on July 28 last year in the SOS area of Kapsoya, Ainabkoi, Uasin Gishu County.

He appeared before Senior Resident Magistrate Odhiambo Gweno, where he denied the charges of causing grievous harm. “It’s not true, Your Honour,” he told the court.

According to statements filed by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), both the suspect and the victim were students at Rift Valley Technical Training Institute in Eldoret and were taking their final examinations at the time.

The two had previously been in a relationship, which reportedly ended on a sour note. The victim alleged that she had received repeated threats from Kimwetich.

On the day of the incident, the victim was walking from Kapsoya estate to the college when she heard someone calling her near the campus.

She recognized the voice as that of her former boyfriend and attempted to quicken her pace, but he allegedly caught up with her and poured acid on her face.

The acid immediately caused severe burns, prompting the victim to scream for help. A passing college mate rushed her to the campus clinic, after which she was referred to St Luke’s Hospital for specialized treatment.

She continues to receive medical care for serious burns affecting the left side of her head, neck, and arm.

Kimwetich was later arrested while sitting for examinations at the college.

Magistrate Gweno questioned the delay in charging the suspect. The prosecution explained that investigations, including forensic analysis conducted by the Government Chemist, had contributed to the delay.

The case is scheduled for mention on February 9 for further directions.

During the hearing, the prosecution urged the court to consider the seriousness of the offence when determining bail. The defence, however, argued that Kimwetich was not a flight risk, had cooperated with investigators, and would attend future court sessions.

He was subsequently released on a bond of Sh50,000 with a similar surety or a cash bail of Sh20,000.