When love turns tragic: Why a Nakuru woman poured acid on her husband

Fifty-year-old Ruth Chelangat Terah had made up her mind to leave her troubled marriage by the end of last year, just before the tragedy occurred.

After years of domestic violence, Ms Chelangat decided she could no longer stay with her husband, Elijah Matoke Maina, whom she accused of being violent.

The couple had been together for the past 21 years and had three children together, although Ms Chelangat also had two children from a previous relationship.

Mr Matoke, a businessman in Nakuru, had married Ms Chelangat after separating from his first wife, who also had children.

Ms Chelangat claimed that she had reported several incidents of domestic violence and assault to the police, but had received no help.

By the end of 2024, she had decided to go through with her decision to leave for her own well-being.

But before she could finalise her plans, another violent confrontation occurred. Pushed to the brink by her husband's actions, Ms Chelangat was consumed with rage.

On the morning of December 5, she briefly left the house, only to return with a jerrycan of acid, which she poured on her husband before fleeing the scene.

While on the run, Ms Chelangat considered reporting the attack to the police, but before she could do anything she was arrested.

Neighbours who responded to a distress call from Matoke's daughter found him lying on the floor in excruciating pain. They rushed him to Nakuru Level Five Hospital, where he  succumbed to his injuries five days later.

Following investigations, the police charged Ms Chelangat with her husband's murder.

When she appeared before magistrate Hedwigs Ong'udi, Ms Chelangat was formally charged with the murder of Elijah Matoke Maina that occured on December 5, 2024 in Githima area of Kaptembwo.

A psychiatric report by Dr Erica Adagala found Ms Chelangat mentally fit to stand trial.

She however denied the charges and asked to be released on reasonable bail.

The court granted her release on Sh500,000 bail with a like surety, or alternatively on Sh120,000 cash bail.

Justice Ong'udi also ordered the prosecution to provide the defence with all documents and materials it intends to use in the case.

"The accused may be released on Sh500,000 bail with like surety or alternatively on cash bail of Sh120,000. The prosecution shall provide the defence with all materials they intend to use in their case," ruled Justice Ong'udi.

The case is scheduled to come up for mention on 10 February.