KAKAMEGA, KENYA – A routine family meeting in Shivagala village, Kakamega South Sub-County, erupted into a horrific scene of violence on Monday morning after a woman allegedly poured boiling water on her husband, his newly introduced second wife, and their 16-month-old toddler.
The suspect, identified as Mary Mmbone Khalechi, is currently on the run, triggering a massive police manhunt across the region.
A Deceptive Calm
According to a police report filed at the Malaika Police Station, the incident unfolded on June 1, 2026, when the suspect’s husband, Danston Isundwa Mmbehi, hosted a meeting at their family home. The atmosphere turned tense when a woman identified as Fransisca Makhokha arrived at the homestead carrying a young child.
In what was intended to be a formal family disclosure, Danston introduced Fransisca to Mary as his newly wedded second wife, revealing that the pair shared a 16-month-old child.
Witnesses and investigators noted that Mary initially displayed an eerie calm despite the sudden revelation of a polygamous union. Rather than reacting with immediate anger, she reportedly welcomed Fransisca and the toddler into the house before excusing herself to the kitchen, ostensibly to prepare tea for her guests.
The Attack
The deceptive tranquility was shattered moments later. Investigators state that Mary emerged from the kitchen carrying a sufuria (cooking pot) filled with boiling water.
Without warning, she allegedly doused the contents onto her husband, who was holding the 16-month-old toddler against his chest. The scalding water struck all three individuals, sending screams of agony echoing through the village.
Neighbours rushed to the homestead to find the family suffering from catastrophic burns. Danston and the infant, who bore the brunt of the assault, sustained severe injuries and were rushed to Kakamega General Hospital for emergency medical intervention. Medical officials confirmed that while the father is stable, the 16-month-old child remains in serious condition.
Police Launch Manhunt
Taking advantage of the initial chaos as neighbours rushed to aid the victims, the suspect fled the homestead.
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Kakamega South Sub-County police have condemned the domestic assault and launched a rigorous search operation to apprehend her. Detectives are appealing to any members of the public with information regarding Mary Mmbone Khalechi’s whereabouts to report to the nearest police station.
Local residents have expressed profound shock and heartbreak over the incident, with many condemning the act of targeting an innocent toddler in a domestic dispute. Investigations into the full circumstances surrounding the attack are ongoing.
