A family in Kibra is demanding urgent police action after Maureen Matsili, a single mother of four, was allegedly attacked and severely burned with boiling beans in what authorities are treating as a possible hate crime.
Matsili, from Gatwekera, is nursing serious injuries at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) following the May 18 attack that has shocked residents and raised fresh concern over political intolerance at the grassroots.
According to her family, the attack stemmed from her outspoken support for the “two-term” political slogan associated with President William Ruto’s administration.
Maureen Matsili’s Ordeal
On the day she was attacked, there were protests in most parts of Nairobi due to the increased fuel prices that saw diesel increase by KSh46.
However, Kibra, which is known as one of the major violence hotspots in Nairobi, was rather calm as residents chose to keep away from the main roads.
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Maureen was among the few who chose to be outside and try to see the state of things in the area.
That is when she met her attacker, as she was talking to her friend and speaking positively about the government and chanting “tutam” slogans.
Her attacker angrily asked her why she was praising President Ruto’s administration, even though there were no cars on the road to take people to work.
According to Maureen, her attacker went to the nearby food stall, took boiling beans, and poured them on her whole body.
“It is the “tutam” chants that have led me to being hospitalized,” Maureen said while on her hospital bed.
Maureen Matsili’s family stated that the attacker is well known in the Gatwekera area, but police have not yet made an arrest.
“Maureen is seriously burnt. According to the doctors, her chest, abdomen, private parts, thighs, and, mostly, her belly button. We are asking the government to look into this matter and take serious action, as more innocent people will be affected,” said Alice Ayuma, Maureen’s friend.
Maureen’s family has since reported the matter to the Kibra Police Station on May 20, asking for timely justice.
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Kilimani police commander Patricia Yegon has confirmed that detectives are investigating the case, which was reported by Maureen’s sister, and that they plan to interrogate witnesses at the scene as part of the ongoing probe.
Increased Political Attacks
Maureen Matsili’s attack occurred on the same day a vehicle belonging to UDA politician Priscilla Njeraini was torched in Githurai 45 after youths allegedly found a UDA sash inside the vehicle.
At the same time, Rachel Wandeto’s death sparked national outrage and intensified debate over violence linked to personal beliefs.
Wandeto was attacked on May 16 in Mwiki, Kasarani, where assailants allegedly doused her with petrol and set her on fire before fleeing the scene.
She sustained severe burns covering up to 85 percent of her body and later died while receiving treatment at Kenyatta National Hospital on May 18.
The singer had recently drawn public attention after tattooing President Ruto’s image on her body and openly supporting his re-election bid, a move that sparked mixed reactions across the country.
Initial reports suggested that her attack could have been politically motivated. However, investigators have since said they are also exploring other possible motives, including personal and financial disputes.
A taxi driver identified as Josiah Njeru Njiri, who is said to have been known to the singer, was arrested in connection with the case and remains under investigation.
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