Love that turned to hate: Mercy Momanyi’s story of abuse by US lover
Ms Mercy Momanyi, a 20-year-old woman from Mosocho, Kisii County, who was allegedly burned by her boyfriend, Sheldon Ombongi Okerosi, is speaking out about the incident that changed her life forever.
On August 23, 2023, Ms Momanyi claimed that her boyfriend, Mr Okerosi, poured scalding hot water on her following a heated argument.
In the process, Mr Okerosi’s mother, Ms Peninah Atemba, was also injured. After the incident, Mr Okerosi went missing, informing some friends that he had returned to the United States.
Also read: Woman beaten and burnt in domestic dispute with USA lover speaks – Exclusive
Ms Momanyi revealed that their relationship took a dark turn when she discovered suspicious messages on Mr Okerosi’s phone. Confronted with her questions, he allegedly turned violent.
In an exclusive interview with Nairobi News, Ms Momanyi disclosed that Mr Okerosi had gone silent after the incident, leaving her to shoulder the burden of her hospital bills.
Friends and relatives, speaking on condition of anonymity, disclosed that the couple had met two years ago when Ms Momanyi was studying Human Resource Management at a tertiary institution in Nyeri County.
Initially, Mr Okerosi was known for his calm and humble demeanor, and former schoolmates expressed disbelief over his alleged actions.
@maisy.sheldon #fypシ @Sheldon Benja 🇰🇪 🇺🇸
One friend remarked, “He was calm and always silent; I can’t believe my former high schoolmate could do such a thing.”
A few months into their relationship, Mr Okerosi won a green card and relocated to the United States.
He persuaded Ms Momanyi to leave Nyeri and join him in a rented house in Syokimau, Nairobi County.
“He even promised that he would ensure that she joins a better learning institution and take a different course of her choice. He had promised to sponsor her education, but this never happened,” a close family member of Ms Momanyi told this reporter.
Also read: How family of USA man tried to stop burn victim from pursuing justice
For two years, Mr Okerosi covered bills and paid for Ms Momanyi life expenses in Syokimau.
Ms Momanyi frequently shared videos on social media, showcasing the gifts and experiences provided by her boyfriend.
In one video from February 2022, she expressed gratitude for an iPhone 14 Promax, saying, “Thanks, baby, for the iPhone 14 Promax. I really appreciate it. Love you so much.”
Videos also captured their happy moments, from boat rides to outings at a popular hotel in Westlands, Nairobi County.
The sudden and tragic turn of events leaves many questioning why Mr. Okerosi disappeared and ceased all communication with the woman he had once shared so much love with.
@maisy.sheldon
Ms Brilliant Momanyi, Ms Momanyi’s elder sister, revealed that they had been advised to withdraw the police report if they wanted the medical bills to be covered.
Nairobi News also discovered that the suspect, Mr Okerosi, works as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Minnesota.
His records indicate no substantiated findings of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation of property, according to the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH).
He is still missing but investigations into the assault are ongoing.
Also read: Kenyans abroad settle hospital bill of woman who was scalded by boyfriend