A 46-year-old woman who allegedly scalded her husband with hot cooking oil is being held by police in Ahero.

The suspect allegedly boiled the cooking oil and poured it on her husband while he was in bed after he attempted to discipline their son.

Francis Ochieng claimed that his wife attacked him over petty disagreements. The tipping point came when he earlier in the day instructed his son to shave his shaggy ‘rasta’ hair.

Lights off

“After I told the boy not to return home before shaving, I went on with my other domestic chores till evening when I saw the boy in the kitchen chatting with his mother,” he said.

By 7pm, Ochieng said he had returned from Korowe Market, retired to rest in the bedroom waiting for supper when all lights suddenly went off as reported by the Standard.

He then felt a hot and painful liquid poured all over his back and head. He said his attempts to escape were hindered by the darkness, and the bedroom door which was locked from outside.

Ultimatum

Ochieng' who spoke with difficulty claimed the mother of his sick children was angered by his ultimatum that their son would only live in his home after shaving his hair.

“I had no strength to do anything, so I was brought to the hospital. I have never had any violent disagreement with my wife so I do not understand how such a simple thing could lead to this,” said Ochieng.