A former student of the Rift Valley Technical Training Institute (RVTTI) in Eldoret has told a court how her ex-boyfriend allegedly ambushed and attacked her with sulphuric acid after their relationship ended, leaving her with life-altering injuries.
Ms Bevaline Jelimo Sum, who was pursuing a diploma in Electrical Engineering at the time, gave a chilling account before Senior Resident Magistrate Keyne Odhiambo of the assault that nearly claimed her life.
According to the charge sheet, the incident occurred on July 28, 2025, at SOS Village in Kapsoya on the outskirts of Eldoret City.
Ms Sum testified that her former boyfriend and college mate, Mr Tonny Kimwetich Kangogo, had allegedly been threatening and intimidating her following their breakup.
“I was walking from my rental house to college to sit my final paper when the accused attacked me from behind and poured sulphuric acid on the left side of my neck,” she told the packed courtroom.
She said the attack happened so suddenly that she was unable to identify the assailant immediately and only regained consciousness after a Good Samaritan rushed her to a private hospital in Eldoret.
The court heard that the accused later sent Sh11, 000 to her elder sister’s mobile phone number to help settle her hospital bill, but the money was returned on the instructions of her parents.
“His parents approached my parents seeking an out-of-court settlement, but they declined because of the seriousness of the offence committed against me,” Ms Sum testified.
The complainant told the court that her family had spent more than Sh1 million on treatment following the severe injuries she sustained in the acid attack.
The court also heard that after the alleged assault, the accused reportedly fled the scene and proceeded to college to sit his final Electrical Engineering examination.
The court released him on a bond of Sh50,000 with an alternative cash bail of Sh20,000.
The prosecution is expected to call four key witnesses, including a doctor from Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital who treated the complainant, as well as the investigating officer.
The case will be mentioned again on July 28, 2026.
