Kenyan woman Mary Waithera, who killed her mother’s four hens and threatened to set herself on fire, was accused of disturbing the peace. She went before the law courts in Makadara.

The allegations are related to her threatening to set herself and her family members on fire on November 18, 2023, following a violent family argument.

Waithera made an appearance before Senior Principal Magistrate Gerald Mutiso. Waithera acknowledged causing a disturbance in a way that could lead to a breach of peace.

In her statement to the court, she expressed remorse for her actions and attributed the outburst to the depression she has been grappling with since losing her job.

According to court records, the confrontation unfolded when Waithera returned home in an inebriated state and engaged in a quarrel with her mother, accusing her of neglect since the loss of her job in 2020.

The accused lamented feeling unloved in her own home, escalating the argument into chaos.

Amidst the confrontation, Waithera reportedly dismissed the intervention of her young brother, took a matchbox, and retreated to her room, where she threatened to set herself ablaze.

Distraught, her mother and brother pleaded with her to reconsider, eventually alerting the authorities, who promptly arrested Waithera.

During her court appearance, Waithera’s emotional state was palpable as she recounted the distress that led to the regrettable incident.

Her brother, listed as a witness in the case, will only testify if she chooses to deny the charges before conviction and sentencing.