Police in Nyeri have launched a manhunt for a 40-year-old man accused of killing his wife, identified as Margaret Nyawira, before locking her body and their three children inside their one-room rented house in Ngangarithi Estate, on the outskirts of Nyeri town. The chilling incident occurred on Friday night, leaving residents in shock and fear.
According to family members, the suspect, Joseph Kariuki, reportedly called his brother the following morning to confess to committing a “heinous act.” The brother, Lawrence Kamuri, said he was alarmed by the call and immediately went to the suspect’s house, accompanied by police officers. On arrival, he found the couple’s three young children awake and playing inside the house. When he asked them about their mother’s whereabouts, they innocently said she was still sleeping.
Upon checking, Kamuri discovered that Nyawira was unresponsive, prompting him to alert police officers, who confirmed that she had been murdered. The cause of death has not yet been disclosed as investigations continue, but preliminary reports suggest that the killing may have been the result of ongoing domestic disputes.
Family members revealed that the couple had a troubled relationship characterized by frequent arguments and mistrust. The deceased’s uncle, Martin Ndung’u, stated that the disagreements had previously been reported to local authorities. He described the suspect as a man who had recently become paranoid and aggressive, often accusing his wife of infidelity or engaging with strangers.
Kamuri further shared that his brother’s behaviour had become increasingly erratic in recent months, leading him to question his mental stability. He said Joseph would often make baseless accusations against his wife, even during simple interactions in public.
Police have intensified the search for the suspect, who is believed to have fled towards Muthuthi-ini village in Mukurwe-ini Constituency, where he comes from. Law enforcement officials have urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report any information that could lead to his arrest.
The tragic incident has reignited conversations around the growing cases of domestic violence in the country. Community leaders have called for increased awareness and intervention programs to prevent such occurrences, emphasizing the importance of counselling and early mediation in resolving family disputes before they escalate into deadly violence.
