A 25-year-old woman from Kenya is facing charges of arson after she allegedly set fire to her ex-boyfriend's house, causing damage estimated at Sh120,000 (over $800). The accused, Patience Cherotich, is accused of igniting the blaze on August 10, 2023, at a residence on TRM Drive in Kasarani, Nairobi.
According to the charge sheet, on the 10th of August, 2023, at Veeland Apartments, Patience Cherotich intentionally and unlawfully set fire to a bedroom, valued at Sh120,000, which belonged to Benjamin Obeten.
The accused and the complainant had previously been in a romantic relationship but had since broken up.
Cherotich requested to visit Obeten, a Nigerian national, at his home, which he agreed to. However, upon her arrival, she allegedly caused disturbances in the house and even threatened to harm Obeten. In response, Obeten sought assistance from the apartment's security guards, who subsequently forced Cherotich out of the house.
After spending some time outside in the cold, Obeten decided to allow Cherotich back into the house for the night. She slept on a couch in Obeten's living room. However, at around 5 am, she began banging on the bedroom door, demanding to be let in. When Obeten opened the door to ask her to stop, Cherotich entered the bedroom. Obeten then retreated to the living room, leaving her alone in the bedroom.
Shortly thereafter, Cherotich requested taxi fare, and Obeten provided her with Sh1,200 before she left. A short while later, Obeten noticed smoke and realized that the house was on fire. He rushed in to find the bedding and other items ablaze.
The fire had already consumed the entire bed, bedding, and several belongings, but with the help of neighbors, he managed to extinguish it.
Obeten reported the incident to Kasarani Police Station, leading to Cherotich's arrest following an investigation.
In court on September 13, she pleaded not guilty to the charges and, with the assistance of a lawyer, requested lenient bail conditions. She explained that she was a single mother responsible for her seven-year-old son, who was left without care after her arrest.
Cherotich was granted bail of Sh200,000 with a surety. The case is scheduled for mention on November 14, 2023, with the trial set to begin on April 12 next year.
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