A former student at Rift Valley Technical Training Institute (RVTTI) in Eldoret moved the court to tears as she narrated how her ex-boyfriend allegedly doused her in sulphuric acid.
Bevaline Jelimo Sum, an electrical engineering student, testified that Tonny Kimwetich Kangogo attacked her after she ended their relationship. Sum recalled the horrific incident occurring on July 28 last year in the SOS area of Kapsoya estate, Uasin Gishu County. She told Presiding Magistrate Keyne Odhiambo that the accused had been threatening and intimidating her since their breakup.
“I was walking from my rental house to the college to sit for my final paper when the accused, who was my classmate, attacked me from behind and poured sulphuric acid on the left side of my neck,” she recounted.
The attack was so swift that Sum did not immediately identify her assailant. She only regained consciousness later at a private hospital after being rescued by a Good Samaritan.
The court heard that the accused later sent Sh11,000 via Sum’s sister’s mobile phone to assist with hospital bills. However, Sum’s parents ordered the money be reversed. While the accused’s family attempted to settle the matter out of court, Sum’s parents insisted on legal action, citing the gravity of the offence. Her family has since incurred over Sh1 million in medical expenses.
In a chilling detail, the prosecution noted that after the attack, Kangogo allegedly fled the scene to sit for his final electrical engineering exam.
Kangogo has denied the charge of causing grievous harm. He is currently out on a bond of Sh50,000 (or a Sh20,000 cash bail). The prosecution has lined up four witnesses, including the investigating officer and a medical doctor from Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital.
The hearing was adjourned until July 28, 2026.
