Residents of Joska in Machakos County have been left in shock following a brutal attack in which a man was killed and his wife critically injured inside their home. The terrifying incident occurred in the early hours of September 18, 2025, leaving the community demanding swift police action and justice for the victims.
The deceased, identified as 54-year-old Martin Maina, was attacked in his bedroom after a gang of unknown number of assailants broke into his house. Reports indicate that the thugs jumped over the perimeter wall before cutting through the grills and shattering window panes to gain access. Once inside, they descended on Maina and his wife as the couple raised alarm.
Maina was fatally assaulted with deep cuts to his head, while his wife sustained serious injuries inflicted with a blunt object. She was rushed to hospital where she continues to fight for her life, traumatised by the ordeal. Strikingly, the attackers did not steal anything from the house, suggesting that their primary mission was to eliminate the man.
Police officers and neighbours who responded to the scene confirmed that the brutality of the assault pointed to a targeted attack. The motive remains unclear, but detectives are pursuing leads to establish whether the killing was linked to personal disputes, land issues, or other hidden factors.
The body of Maina was transferred to the mortuary pending a post-mortem examination, while police launched a manhunt for the attackers. Locals, many of whom are new landlords in the rapidly developing area, expressed fear following the killing, calling on security agencies to increase patrols and enhance surveillance.
Meanwhile, in Laare, Igembe, Meru County, another chilling incident was reported on the same day. The body of a 28-year-old man, identified as Joseph Kiere, was discovered dumped within a church compound. Police suspect that he may have been killed elsewhere before his body was abandoned at the scene. A deep cut on his back indicated foul play, though the motive remains unknown.
The two killings have raised concerns about rising insecurity in different parts of the country, with residents urging the authorities to act swiftly and decisively to curb such violent crimes. Investigations into both cases are ongoing, with police vowing to bring the perpetrators to justice.
