KIRINYAGA, Kenya — Authorities in Kirinyaga West Sub-County have launched a high-priority manhunt for a 40-year-old woman suspected of killing her partner on Christmas Day.
The incident occurred at the Muragara Shopping Centre in Ndia Sub-County following a domestic dispute that escalated within a local establishment.
The victim, identified as Peter Mwangi Wanyeki, 52, was reportedly involved in a heated altercation with the suspect, Edith Muthoni, at a bar.
According to eyewitnesses, the conflict erupted over an unpaid bill of Ksh. 60 for alcohol the couple had consumed during their holiday celebrations.
As the argument intensified, the suspect allegedly seized a kitchen knife that was being used by others at the venue for food preparation.
“I had been using the knife to cut potatoes when she suddenly picked it up,” recounted Florence Mureithi, an eyewitness who provided a statement to the police.
Muthoni is alleged to have stabbed Wanyeki once in the chest. He succumbed to his injuries at the scene before medical assistance could be rendered.
The news of Wanyeki’s death reached his family while they were gathered at their rural home for Christmas festivities, shattering the holiday mood.
“We were together enjoying Christmas when I received a call informing me that my brother had been killed,” said Robert Wanyeki, the deceased’s brother. “I knew the woman. She comes from Kandegwa village, not far from here.”
Kaburu Gatimu, another relative who rushed to the scene, described the harrowing sight of finding his kin lying in a pool of blood. “We want justice. There is no reason why she should have killed him,” he stated.
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Kirinyaga West Sub-County Police Commander Jos Mudavadi confirmed that the suspect fled the scene immediately after the stabbing and remains at large. Police have deployed detectives to track her movements in the surrounding villages.
“Detectives are on the ground pursuing leads, and we urge members of the public to share any information that may help in her arrest,” Mudavadi said.
Wanyeki’s body has been moved to a local mortuary pending a post-mortem examination. Investigations into the exact circumstances of the altercation are currently ongoing.
