Residents of Mukithi village in Kiaga sub-location, Kirinyaga Central Constituency, were left in shock after a 60-year-old man allegedly killed his wife before fleeing the scene.
The suspect, identified as Patrick Manegene, is said to have walked to the home of Lydiah Wakaria, the aunt of the deceased, and confessed to having killed his 43-year-old wife, Rose Njeri. Wakaria recounted the chilling moment when Manegene informed her of the incident and led her to the scene, about 500 meters away.
“I could not believe it,” Wakaria said. “I followed him to their unfinished house and found Njeri lying lifeless.” After showing her the body, the suspect reportedly vanished, prompting Wakaria to alert the village elder, Caesar Karumba Karani.
Local assistant chief Simon Maina responded to the distress call and informed detectives from Kerugoya Police Station. Upon arrival, the officers confirmed that Njeri had suffered deep injuries, particularly to her neck and right leg.
A police officer from Kagumo Police Station confirmed that Manegene is the prime suspect and that a manhunt is currently underway. “We are treating her husband as the main suspect. We urge the public to remain calm and not to take the law into their own hands,” the officer said.
The deceased’s brother, Joseph Muchiri, revealed that the couple had been experiencing ongoing domestic disputes, often erupting into violent confrontations at night.
Other residents expressed growing concern over increasing murder cases in the area. “Just the other day, villagers torched Mukiri’s house after he allegedly killed his friend,” said Charles Kibara, a concerned local.
The community is now calling for urgent intervention to address domestic violence and improve security measures in the area. As investigations continue, the family of Rose Njeri is left mourning a senseless and tragic loss.
Authorities have urged anyone with information regarding Manegene’s whereabouts to report to the nearest police station as efforts to apprehend him intensify.
